Milan, a winning hat trick: Atalanta wakes up too late and loses again
Milan returned to winning ways in the league with a 3-2 victory over Atalanta at San Siro on Matchday 7 of Serie A. The Rossoneri dominated for over an hour, building a three-goal lead, before conceding a comeback by Atalanta, who reopened the game in the closing minutes but were unable to complete the comeback.
The home team got off to a strong start, playing aggressively and even finding the back of the net through Pulisic, but the goal was disallowed for offside. In the 20th minute, another blow struck Atalanta, already dealing with numerous absences: Kolasinac was forced to leave the field due to a muscle injury, and Obric came on in his place.
The substitute became the villain just two minutes later when he handled the ball on a shot by Musah. After a VAR review, referee Chiffi awarded a penalty kick. Gonçalo Ramos stepped up to take the penalty and, in the 24th minute, sent Carnesecchi the wrong way to put Milan ahead. Atalanta struggled to respond and, just before halftime, conceded a second goal. In the 43rd minute, Moreira delivered an excellent pass into the box for Rabiot, who controlled the ball on his right foot and, using his weaker foot, found the right spot at the near post. The teams went into halftime with the Rossoneri leading 2-0.
In the second half, the script remained the same, with Milan still dominating the field and determined to close out the match. Even Hutchinson, who had just come off the bench, immediately made his presence felt. In the 55th minute, another penalty incident occurred: Kristensen handled the ball, and after another VAR review, Chiffi pointed to the penalty spot. This time, however, Carnesecchi got the better of Ramos and saved the Portuguese player’s shot. The Nerazzurri goalkeeper’s joy was short-lived: on the ensuing corner kick in the 57th minute, Gila rose highest at the near post, capitalizing on Rabiot’s fine header, and made it 3-0.
The match seemed all but over, but Atalanta found the strength to fight back in the final half-hour. In the 66th minute, Krstovic hits the post, a prelude to the Bergamo side’s comeback attempt. Gaetano pulls one back and restores confidence to the team, which continues to press in search of a less lopsided result. In the 81st minute, Bellanova played the ball to Krstovic, who scored with a turn and shot to make it 3-2, reigniting Dea’s hopes. The final ten minutes thus became particularly intense, with Atalanta trying until the very end to complete the comeback. Milan, however, held on and secured a valuable victory after nearly squandering a three-goal lead. The Rossoneri move up to 15 points, while Atalanta remains at 9.
