AC Milan beat Atalanta 2-0 at the San Siro to make it four wins from four in all competitions today.
They have recorded clean sheets in those four wins, successfully bouncing back from a wretched January.
Milan started the game brightly, with Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud combining to ruthless effect. The Frenchman zipped an effort past Juan Musso’s post early on.
The Rossoneri continued to push, and soon luck blessed their effort to give them the lead on 26.
Giroud knocked down a Pierre Kalulu switch of play. Theo Hernandez set himself and the shot cannoned off the post before hitting Musso and going in.
Leao should have doubled the lead after 37 minutes, but he skied a great chance. Milan dominated possession and proceedings going into the break. La Dea did not have a shot on target.
Both sides cancelled each other again following the resumption until a chance fell to Giroud. Junior Messias and Brahim Diaz did exceptionally well to create the opening, but Musso made an impressive save on the striker’s effort.
Milan had another effort that should have hit the back of the net, but Messias sent it over the bar from six yards out. Atalanta improved in the second half but still did not have a shot on target to show for it.
The home side wrapped things up late in the game with a sweeping counter-attack. Leao set Messias on his way, and the Brazilian dinked over the keeper to ensure the three points.
AC Milan climbed to third in Serie A level on points with city rivals Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri are only ahead on goal difference.
The game was another disappointing outing for Atalanta, who failed to muster any threat against Stefano Pioli’s men.
Milan’s defence nullified their attack leaving Joachim Maehle and Davide Zappacosta as their main threats.
This defeat is Atalanta’s fourth loss in their last five games, and Gian Piero Gasperini will hope his side can arrest this slump.
However, it was good news everywhere for Milan as goalkeeper Mike Maignan returned to the pitch after five months out of action. He returned to help his side record a clean sheet.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic also returned after nine months out of action.
Milan visit off-form Fiorentina in their next match, while Atalanta welcome Udinese to the Gewiss Stadium.
