Man of the match: Ederson (7.5)
Ederson was the standout player for Atalanta, with a dominant performance in midfield. He won the ball back numerous times in the first half, preventing Milan from building up any momentum. He was also physically imposing, making runs all over the pitch even in the 90th minute. His energy and athleticism were key to Atalanta’s victory.
AC Milan (4-2-3-1)
Maignan (5): Two goals conceded, but both were difficult to save. He was good at playing the ball out from the back, but his long passes were often overhit.
Jimenez (5): Had a good first half, but his mistake in the penalty area was costly. He was replaced by Terracciano in the 61st minute.
Hernandez (6.5): Another strong performance from the Frenchman, who is quickly becoming one of the best centre-backs in Serie A. He was solid defensively and also showed good quality on the ball.
Kjaer (5): Not at his best, but he improved after the break.
Calabria (5): Was deployed as a centre-back, but he struggled to deal with Atalanta’s attacking players. He was replaced by Simic in the 62nd minute.
Reijnders (6.5): Had a better game than his midfield partner, Tonali. He was good at winning the ball back and also showed good quality in possession. He was replaced by Adli in the 73rd minute.
Musah (5): Had a decent first half, but he faded in the second half.
Leao (6.5): Scored a goal and looked dangerous throughout. He is starting to find his form again.
Loftus-Cheek (5): Average performance. He was replaced by Giroud in the 73rd minute.
Pulisic (5): Like Musah, he started well but faded in the second half.
Jovic (4): Another anonymous performance from the Serbian striker. He needs to start scoring goals if he wants to keep his place in the team.
Atalanta Bergamo (3-4-1-2)
M. Carnesecchi (6.5): The Italian goalkeeper can be proud of his performance. He was flawless in his aerial clearances in the box, or to anticipate the depth found by Milan players. He was often first on Milan’s long balls. Also, he makes some good saves like at the 71st minute against a long-range shot from Pulisic.
S. Kolasinac (6): A meeting of his Bosnian defender that should satisfy Gasperini, sent off to the stands for insults to the referee at the 39th minute. Aligned in the left center in this three-man defense, he has shown authority, imposing himself physically, but also anticipating well the opposing long passes, to engage in counterattacks. In addition to that, he has participated in the offensive play of the Dea, via exceeding his function, attacking the left half-space.
B. Djimsiti (5): Just correct, the Albanian has shown good positioning, but has sometimes lacked concentration to manage aerial balls. He still makes a good intervention on Leao at the 43rd minute.
G. Scalvini (5.5): Fairly convincing, the Italian has generally managed the Leao threat. He defended cleanly, while showing a certain speed to defend depth. He is, however, at fault for Leao’s goal, as he does not follow him closely enough. Replaced by I. Hien (86′).
M. Ruggeri (4.5): Often caught in the back by Musah in the first half, the left-back of the Dea sometimes lacked vigilance in his lane, which he sometimes neglected. Offensively, he was not clinically efficient, and sometimes lacked involvement in the game, leaving De Ketelaere to do the work. He is replaced by D. Zappacosta (78′).
Ederson (7.5): see above.
M. Pasalic (6.5): He also comes on during the game, following the collision between M. Gabbia and M. De Roon, who comes off before half-time (42′). But unlike Kjaer, the Croatian immediately got back into the game. He did some great things in terms of long passes, but also in the game in tight spaces. He even creates an opportunity to shoot, by coming to provoke, and find a relay with Koopmeiners, who puts him back in the race. It will take a good intervention from Calabria to prevent him from scoring a goal, which he would only have owed to his audacity.
E. Holm (6): Very energetic on his right side, the Swede showed some good things in the repeated runs. A line-eater, the piston has a good acceleration quality, which allows him to take the defense by speed. He is the author of the assist on Koopmeiners’ first goal. Finally, defensively, he has managed to muzzle Leao on several occasions, which is a performance.
T. Koopmeiners (7): A double for the Dutch international, including a goal from the penalty spot, and another from his weaker right foot, outside the box, similar to that scored by Griezmann earlier in the evening, in the defeat of Atletico in the Spanish Super Cup. Apart from his goals, the attacking midfielder has been interesting in deflections, but has also shown a vision to manage the play of his team, and slow it down when necessary. He has been influential offensively, without pressing his team forward. It is L. Muriel who replaces him (86′).
C. De Ketelaere (6): Facing the club that is loaning him this season, the Belgian proved his worth, and showed what he is capable of. He offered a lot, without flegme, with good activity in his movements, and a certain accuracy. He is a good asset in the air, and narrowly missed out on a headed assist at the 36th minute, if De Roon had been able to place his foot to finish. He is out for G. Scamacca (78′).
A. Miranchuk (4): Absent for a good part of the match, the Russian remains the one who provokes the winning penalty for Atalanta. But, apart from that, he tried to participate in the game without much success, and was unable to find shooting positions. A missed match for the striker, although he “gives” the winning goal to Koopmeiners.
Overall, Atalanta deserved their victory. They were the better team for most of the game and created more chances. Milan were punished for their mistakes, particularly Jimenez’s penalty.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings