Milan and Atalanta meet at the San Siro on Sunday evening in a Serie A clash that carries significant European implications for both sides. Kick-off is set for 20:45 local time, with the match broadcast live on Dazn and Sky Zona Dazn. The Rossoneri, currently occupying a Champions League spot, are desperate to halt a worrying slide that has seen them win just one of their last five league matches. That solitary victory came against Verona, and it was also the only time they found the net in that stretch, highlighting a severe attacking drought that has plagued Massimiliano Allegri's side all season.
Atalanta, meanwhile, arrive in Milan having failed to win in four straight games. Raffaele Palladino's team sits seventh in the table, a position that would secure a place in next season's Conference League if Inter Milan beat Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday. The Dea are eager to end their winless run and solidify their grip on that potential European berth, but they have struggled to impose their usual attacking verve in recent weeks.
Allegri is expected to field a 3-5-2 formation, with Mike Maignan in goal and a back three of Koni De Winter, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlovic. In midfield, Alexis Saelemaekers, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Samuele Ricci, Adrien Rabiot, and Davide Bartesaghi are likely to start, while the attacking duo of Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic will be tasked with ending the goal drought. Key players like Rafael Leao and Niclas Füllkrug are among the substitutes, indicating Allegri has options if the game demands a change.
Palladino is set to counter with a 3-4-2-1 system. Marco Carnesecchi starts in goal, protected by Giorgio Scalvini, Berat Djimsiti, and Emmanuel Ahanor. The wing-backs are Raoul Bellanova and Davide Zappacosta, with Marten de Roon and Ederson in central midfield. Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori will support lone striker Nikola Krstovic. The Atalanta bench includes experienced options like Mario Pasalic, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Gianluca Scamacca, offering Palladino tactical flexibility.
The match is officiated by referee Zufferli from Udine, with assistants Dei Giudici and C. Rossi, fourth official Fourneau, and VAR Di Paolo assisted by Mariani.
For Milan, the stakes could not be higher. With Juventus temporarily overtaking them in the standings after a win at Lecce, the Rossoneri must respond to keep their top-four fate in their own hands. Allegri's side has been defensively resilient but offensively blunt, a combination that has produced a string of low-scoring affairs. The return of Rabiot to the lineup after injury provides a boost in midfield, but the reliance on Gimenez and Pulisic for goals remains a concern.
Atalanta, on the other hand, are looking to build momentum for a potential European campaign. Palladino's team has been inconsistent but capable of producing sparkling performances, as evidenced by their 4-0 thrashing of Juventus earlier this season. However, injuries and suspensions have disrupted their rhythm, and they will need De Ketelaere and Raspadori to provide creativity behind Krstovic.
This fixture historically has produced entertaining football, and both managers will be aware that a win could define their respective seasons. For Milan, three points would relieve pressure and solidify a Champions League push; for Atalanta, victory would almost certainly secure a seventh-place finish and a ticket to continental competition.
Fans can follow all the action live on Dazn or via the Tuttosport live blog. With so much on the line, the San Siro is set for a tense, high-stakes encounter where every pass and tackle could have lasting implications.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.
