Atalanta vs AC Milan Analysis | Serie A 2024/25

Atalanta vs AC Milan: an exciting Serie A showdown that can have a big impact on the league standings. Atalanta, currently sitting in second place, aims to maintain their strong form and close the gap at Napoli. Meanwhile, AC Milan, down in seventh, are desperate to climb the table and regain their top 4 spot, earning a Champions League ticket, after a mixed start to the season. Adding to the drama, Atalanta will be without Serie A top scorer Retegui, who starts on the bench and without their coach Gian Piero Gasperini on the sidelines due to suspension. This leaves his side needing to deliver under guidance of Gritti in this high-pressure game.

Starting XI’s: Atalanta vs AC Milan

Atalanta (3-4-1-2):

Goalkeeper: Carnesecchi
Centre backs: Kolasinac, Hien, Djimsiti
Midfielders: Ruggeri, De Roon, Ederson, Bellanova
Attacking midfielder: Pasalic
Strikers: Lookman, De Ketelaere

AC Milan (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Maignan
Defenders: Hernandez, Thiaw, Gabbia, Emerson Royal
Central midfielders: Reijnders, Youssouf Fofana
Attacking midfielder: Pulisic
Wingers: Leão, Yunus Musah
Striker: Morata

First Half Analysis: Atalanta vs AC Milan

Tactical Breakdown & Key Moments

The first half of this Serie A clash between Atalanta vs AC Milan has been a highly tactical battle, with both teams implementing typical playing styles. Atalanta, currently in second place, have demonstrated fluidity in possession, making excellent use of their wing-backs, who have been very active and wide in attack. The combination of quick transitions and well-timed rotations between their defenders, midfielders and forwards has made them a constant threat for AC Milan.

Atalanta’s central midfielders, especially De Roon, have been crucial in linking up play and ensuring fluidity. De Roon has frequently dropped between the center-backs to allow them to spread wide, with the wing-backs Ruggeri and Bellanova pushing high up the pitch. This clever rotation, combined with Lookman and De Ketelaere’s coming inside and Pasalic dropping lower in midfield to cover de Roon’s vacancy, has created dangerous attacking patterns. The constant rotations have caused confusion for Milan’s defense, which has struggled to cope with the constant positional shifts.

On the other hand, AC Milan has tried to impose their high press and possession game but has been unable to maintain control for long periods. Milan’s strategy, particularly when building from the back, has been to play out through Maignan and the center-backs, looking to lure Atalanta’s compact defensive setup out and quickly switch to long balls for deep runs from their forwards. The Rossoneri’s use of third-man combinations has seen moments of promise but lacks the required precision in execution, with Atalanta’s firm defending frustrating Milan’s attempts to break through.

Statistical Breakdown

The stats from the first half show how tight this contest has been, with Atalanta holding a slight edge in possession (55% to Milan’s 45%). This is a reflection of Atalanta’s tactical control in the middle of the park, where they’ve looked more comfortable in possession. In terms of expected goals (xG), Atalanta’s attacking play has been more effective, registering 0.97 compared to Milan’s 0.49.

Milan has managed 2 shots on target to Atalanta’s 3. Atalanta has been more dangerous in the final third, recording 26 entries to Milan’s 20. Despite Milan’s efforts, Atalanta has dominated the touches in the penalty area with 12 to Milan’s 5, illustrating their ability to create opportunities and break down Milan’s defense.

Player Performances

Atalanta’s wing-backs, Ruggeri and Bellanova, have been particularly effective, providing width and stretching Milan’s defensive line. Pasalic has also been a constant threat in the final third, with a close call in the 35th minute when he had a great chance after Bellanova’s pass from the wing. Lookman, playing just off De Ketelaere, has been key in Atalanta’s attacking movements, often drawing defenders out of position.

For Milan, Morata’s goal was a highlight, showing his clinical instincts, while Leão’s runs from deep continue to be a danger. Reijnders, now operating as the 10 after Loftus-Cheek’s introduction, has the potential to unlock Atalanta’s defense with his vision and passing.

Second Half Analysis: Atalanta vs AC Milan

Tactical Breakdown & Key Moments

The second half of this Serie A game between Atalanta vs AC Milan saw a continuation of Atalanta’s dominance in beginning of the half. While the game started with both teams testing each other tactically, it was Atalanta who maintained control through their compact defensive organization and quick play in possesion.

Atalanta made a significant adjustment by slightly dropping deeper, focusing on defensive stability while still retaining their threat on the counter. Their wing-backs, Bellanova and Ruggeri, remained crucial, pushing high when needed, but the team’s compactness ensured that Milan struggled to exploit any gaps. De Roon continued his role as the orchestrator, often dropping between the center-backs to allow the wide defenders to stretch and create space. This setup allowed Atalanta to manage Milan’s attempts to lure them forward through playing the ball to their goalkeeper and defense, preventing Milan from finding effective routes into the final third.

AC Milan, attempted to increase their attacking intensity in the second half. Their full-backs moved higher up the pitch, aiming to lure Atalanta’s wing-backs and create one-on-one opportunities for the Milan wingers against Atalanta’s wide center-backs. However, Atalanta’s defensive discipline ensured they didn’t take the bait, maintaining a compact shape and blocking off passing lanes. With Milan’s direct approach failing to translate to results, they resorted to long balls to bypass Atalanta’s midfield, but this approach also proved largely ineffective.

Substitutions played a significant role in the dynamics of the second half. Atalanta introduced Retegui, Serie A’s top scorer, and Samardzic, both of whom added fresh energy and creativity. Samardzic, in particular, was instrumental in driving Atalanta’s counter-attacks, almost setting up Lookman for a decisive goal in the 79th minute. Lookman himself continued to be a constant threat, eventually scoring Atalanta’s second goal from a corner in the 87th minute after Samardzic took it followed by a clever header by Kolasinac at the near post.

Milan, despite their efforts to attack after conceding the second goal, left themselves vulnerable at the back. Atalanta capitalized on the spaces left open, creating several dangerous counter-attacking opportunities.

Statistical Breakdown

The stats from the second half underline Atalanta’s control and efficiency. They slightly edged possession at 52% to 48% and was far more effective in creating chances. Their expected goals (xG) rose to 1.59 compared to Milan’s 0.62, illustrating the quality of their opportunities. Atalanta also registered 8 shots on target compared to Milan’s 2, reflecting their ability to test Maignan consistently.

Atalanta dominated the penalty area with 27 touches compared to Milan’s 10, emphasizing their control in dangerous areas. Final third entries were 57 to 38 in Atalanta’s favor, further highlighting their superior movement and attacking intent.

Player Performances

Lookman was the standout performer for Atalanta, contributing a goal and consistently threatening Milan’s defense. His runs and positioning were very good, culminating in his 87th-minute header to seal the victory. Samardzic’s introduction injected creativity into Atalanta’s midfield, and his ability to break through Milan’s lines almost led to additional goals.

For Milan, Loftus-Cheek was one of the brighter spots, showcasing his strength and dribbling ability, particularly on the right flank. Despite his efforts, Milan’s attackers, including Morata and Leão, struggled to find meaningful opportunities against Atalanta’s organized backline. Maignan, once again, made several saves (6) to keep Milan in the game, but he was ultimately let down by his defense.

Conclusion

Atalanta’s tactical discipline and efficient attacking play were the deciding factors in the second half. Milan’s attempts to adapt and attack did not work, and Atalanta took advantage of it. The win strengthens Atalanta’s strong position in Serie A, while Milan will need to address their struggles in breaking down organized defenses.