Milan host Atalanta at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday evening, with kick-off set for 20:45 local time in a Serie A Matchday 36 clash carrying major European implications. The Rossoneri are fighting to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, while the Dea aim to solidify seventh place and a potential Conference League berth.
Massimiliano Allegri's side enter the match in a worrying run of form, having won just one of their last five league games. That solitary victory came at Verona, where Adrien Rabiot scored the only goal. The team's attacking struggles have been a recurring theme this season, with only that single strike in the last five outings. Defensively, they have been relatively solid, but the lack of firepower has cost them crucial points, allowing Juventus to leapfrog them in the standings after the Bianconeri's early goal at Lecce.
Atalanta, under Raffaele Palladino, are also enduring a difficult spell, winless in four matches. They currently occupy seventh place, which would guarantee a spot in the Conference League if Inter win the Coppa Italia final against Lazio on Wednesday. The Dea have shown resilience but have lacked consistency, and they will be eager to end their winless run at San Siro.
Both managers have named their starting lineups. Milan line up in a 3-5-2 formation with Maignan in goal; a back three of De Winter, Gabbia, and Pavlovic; wing-backs Saelemaekers and Bartesaghi; a midfield trio of Loftus-Cheek, Ricci, and Rabiot; and a front two of Leao and Gimenez. Rafael Leao's pace and creativity will be key to breaking down Atalanta's defense.
Atalanta counter with a 3-4-2-1 setup: Carnesecchi starts in goal; Scalvini, Hien, and Kolasinac form the back three; wing-backs Bellanova and Zappacosta; midfielders De Roon and Ederson; attacking midfielders De Ketelaere and Raspadori; with Krstovic leading the line. Charles De Ketelaere returns to face his former club, adding a subplot to the encounter.
The officiating team is led by referee Zufferli of Udine, with assistants Dei Giudici and C. Rossi. Fourneau is the fourth official, while Di Paolo handles VAR duties with assistant Mariani.
The match will be broadcast exclusively live on DAZN and Sky Zona DAZN (channel 214). Fans can also follow live updates on Tuttosport's website.
With both teams desperate for points, this fixture promises to be a tightly contested affair. Milan's Champions League hopes hang in the balance, while Atalanta look to halt their slide and keep European dreams alive. The result could have significant ramifications for the final standings.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
