How Milan overcame an impressive Atalanta

Atalanta vs Milan is a relatively local derby with Bergamo, the home of Atalanta, sitting to the north-west of Milan. However, the two sides could not be more different in terms of their history of success or the methods with which they construct their squads.

Milan are one of the most decorated sides in European football with seven victories in the European Cup/Champions League. They have also won Serie A on 18 occasions. In contrast Atalanta who have not won a major honour since the 1962/63 season, when they won the Coppa Italia. Milan have a history of expensive recruitment, most recently signing Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek for a reported €35 million in the January transfer window. Atalanta on the other hand have a strong record of youth development and signing undervalued players.

These characteristics of the two sides provide a fascinating backdrop to this fixture but the narrative was broader than that. Atalanta have been one of the most consistent attacking teams in Europe this season under their exciting coach Gian Piero Gasperini and have impressed with their attacking intent.

Milan, though, have been inconsistent to say the least under their coach Gennaro Gattuso. Now, with the aforementioned Piatek leading the line there is a need for Milan to find their form in order to challenge for Champions League qualification at the least.

In the end, Milan ran out 3-1 winners on the back of two goals from Piatek. The tactical battle throughout the match was an intriguing one. Milan showed resilience and defensive structure that has perhaps been missing for the majority of the season.

Lineups

Atalanta lined up in their normal 3-4-1-2 system and were at full strength. Hans Hateboer and Timothy Castagne provided the width as the wing-backs, although the latter played on the wrong side as he is right-footed but played on the left. Alejandro Gomez and Josip Illicic provided the creativity while on-loan Colombian forward Duvan Zapata led the line.

Milan played with a 4-3-3 system where the front three were relatively narrow. Former Atalanta player Frank Kessie patrolled the midfield alongside on-loan Chelsea man Tiemoue Bakayoko. Newly-signed Brazilian star Lucas Paqueta provided the link between the midfield and attack.

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