Atalanta surged to the top of the Serie A standings after securing a 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Gewiss Stadium on Friday, during the 15th round of the Italian league.
Atalanta increased its tally to 34 points, claiming the top spot in the Serie A standings, two points clear of Napoli. However, Napoli has the opportunity to reclaim the lead with a victory over Lazio on Sunday. Meanwhile, AC Milan remains rooted in seventh place with 22 points following the defeat.
Atalanta struck first in the 12th minute with a goal from Charles De Ketelaere, but Milan responded swiftly, levelling the score in the 22nd minute through Spanish forward Álvaro Morata.
In the 87th minute, Ademola Lookman sealed the victory for Atalanta, scoring their second goal and securing Gian Piero Gasperini’s team their ninth consecutive Serie A win.
The match started with intensity, as Milan nearly broke through just 16 seconds in. Christian Pulisic unleashed a powerful shot that was brilliantly saved by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi. Atalanta responded with Lookman slicing through the defence and setting up Mario Pašalić, whose shot sailed over the crossbar. Shortly after, Álvaro Morata scored a stunning goal for Milan, only to have it ruled offside.
Charles De Ketelaere, facing his former team, opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Rising above Theo Hernández, he delivered a powerful header into the net to give Atalanta the lead.
Milan responded quickly in the 22nd minute. Rafael Leão made a dazzling run down the left flank and crossed to Morata, who smashed the ball into the net with a thunderous shot, levelling the match.
Atalanta almost regained the lead moments later. Raoul Bellanova charged down the right and unleashed a rocket, but Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was equal to the task, pulling off a remarkable save. Pasalic missed another golden opportunity to put Atalanta ahead after a quick counterattack, but Maignan once again proved impenetrable, making a double save to deny the midfielder.
Milan’s woes continued as Paulo Fonseca was forced to substitute an injured Pulisic with Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The first half ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
Second Half Highlights
The second half began with Atalanta pressing forward. Ademola Lookman broke through from the left and delivered a dangerous low cross, but Milan defender Malick Thiaw intervened just in time to clear the ball away from danger.
Isaac Hien caused a scare when he attempted a risky header back to his goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi under heavy pressure from Álvaro Morata. Carnesecchi managed to control the ball after a second effort, diffusing the situation.
Milan’s Yunus Musah squandered a golden opportunity in the 74th minute. After a strong run and assist from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Musah fired his shot wide, missing the chance to put his side ahead.
Atalanta continued to push for the win. Lookman tested Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan with a powerful shot in the 79th minute, which was deflected for a corner. Moments later, Lookman unleashed another fierce strike, which Maignan again parried away for yet another corner.
Finally, in the 87th minute, Lookman broke the deadlock. A precise cross was met by Sead Kolašinac, who headed the ball across goal to Lookman. Positioned at the far post, Lookman nodded the ball into the net, giving Atalanta a crucial lead.
Maignan saved Milan from a heavier defeat in stoppage time (90+2), as he denied Matteo Retegui in a one-on-one situation. Using his feet to block the shot, he allowed Milan’s defence to clear the ball. The match ended with Atalanta securing a well-deserved 2-1 victory at home.
