Match Review: AC Milan vs Atalanta
It was a late drama at San Siro. In a bitter night for Gattuso and his boys, AC Milan leave two points behind conceding the goal for 2-2 in the first minute of stoppage time. Rossoneri played a good game overall but failed to secure the win with Atalanta coming back from behind twice after the Rossoneri scored through Higuain and Bonaventura. Rino Gattuso can though look at the bright side, with Higuain scoring his third goal of the season, Bonaventura showing good condition and Suso who gave the two assists for the two Rossoneri goals. Il Diavolo need to restart from here putting this bitter night behind and preparing for the upcoming two away games at Empoli and Sassuolo.
THE MATCH REPORT
AC Milan are off to the best start possible taking an early lead through Higuain. Suso curls in a cross that El Pipita fires into the net to beat Gollini. The goal is a booster for the Rossoneri who go close in the 19th minute as Jack unleashes a shot neutralised by keeper. It's Biglia, ten minutes later, to try his luck from distance but his shot won't trouble the Atalanta keeper. After a good Milan start, the visitors miss a great chance to make it 1-1 as Pasalic - former Rossoneri midfielder - fails to convert with a header from point-blank range. Gattuso's men push hard and are unlucky in the 39th minute of play as Bonaventura's shot smacks off the woodwork. As half time approaches, it's Kessie to waste the chance for 2-0: great through ball by Higuain that finds the Ivory Coast international only to see his shot roll wide of the far post. The second half sees the visitors immediately dangerous as the subbed-on Duvan Zapata troubles Donnarumma from inside the area. Minutes later, Atalanta equalise: Zapata from the right finds Gomez who gets onto the ball before Calabria and beats Gigio. AC Milan react immediately and take the lead again: Suso with another assist that finds Bonaventura with the Italian scoring at Curva Sud end. It's a thrilling final half an hour with many chances from both sides. First Higuain hits the post, then it's Rodriguez to clear the ball off the goal-line in the 89th minute. But Atalanta keep pushing and equalise in the first minute of stoppage time: Zapata's shot is parried away by Gigio but the rebound falls to Rigoni who won't miss. There's no more time: it's 2-2 at the San Siro.
THE MATCH IN NUMBERS
- Five of the last seven Serie A games between AC Milan and Atalanta have ended in a draw (two wins for the Bergamo side).
- Last time AC Milan had scored against Atalanta at the San Siro was in January 2014.
- Gonzalo Higuain has scored the earliest Serie A goal for AC Milan (1’33’’) since Muntari against Juventus (October 2013, 18’’).
- Higuain has scored nine goals against Atalanta in Serie A, making them his second-favourite target in the competition behind Lazio (12).
- Suso made two assists in one game for the third time in Serie A.
THE MATCH IN DETAILS
AC MILAN 2-2 ATALANTA
AC MILAN (4-3-3): G. Donnarumma; Calabria (67' Abate), Musacchio, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Kessie, Biglia, Bonaventura (74' Bakayoko); Suso Higuain, Calhanoglu (85' Castillejo). Subs.: A. Donnarumma, Reina, Laxalt, Simic, Zapata, Bertolacci, Mauri, Borini, Tsadjout. Coach: Gattuso.
ATALANTA (3-4-1-2): Gollini; Toloi, Palomino, Masiello; Castagne, De Roon, Freuler, Gosens (76' Ilicic); Pasalic (46' Rigoni); Barrow (46' Zapata), Gomez. Subs.: Berisha, Rossi, Valzania, Djimsiti, Tummiello, Pessina, Mancini, Hateboer, Ali Adnan. Coach: Gasperini.
Referee: Doveri from Rome.
Goals: 2' Higuain (M), 54' Gomez (A), 61' Bonaventura (M), 90'+2' Rigoni (A).
Booked: 51' Calabria (M), 65' Higuain (M), 78' Gomez (A).
