Atalanta Vs AC Milan [1–1] – Serie A 2025/2026: Samuele Ricci Impact & Max Allegri Final Third Problems – Tactical Analysis

Atalanta recently hosted AC Milan in Serie A gameweek nine, resulting in a draw that suits neither team on paper.

In fact, a draw places La Dea ninth in the standings at the end of this gameweek, with 13 points, and the gap between them and the top five positions is starting to get wider.

As for I Rossoneri, the draw left them in fourth place, with Napoli, AS Roma, and Inter Milan all gaining ground.

In this tactical analysis of the match between Atalanta and AC Milan, we will examine Samuele Ricci’s contribution and its impact on AC Milan, while exploring their recurrent striker issue and final-passing dilemma.

Atalanta Vs AC Milan Lineups & Formations

Ivan Jurić preferred to start the match in the 3-4-1-2 formation, with Marco Carnesecchi in goal, Odilon Kossounou, Isak Hien, and Honest Ahanor as centre-backs.

The midfield consisted of Marten de Roon (who was then replaced by Marco Brescianini due to injury) and Éderson as central midfielders, with Davide Zappacosta and Lorenzo Bernasconi as wing-backs.

Up front, Mario Pašalić was the advanced playmaker, and Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman formed the attacking duo.

For AC Milan, Massimiliano Allegri preserved his usual 3-5-2 formation with Mike Maignan in goal, Strahinja Pavlović, Matteo Gabbia, and Fikayo Tomori as centre-backs, Luka Modrić as the deep-lying playmaker, and Ricci and Youssouf Fofana as central midfielders.

Davide Bartesaghi and Alexis Saelemaekers were used as wing-backs, while Santiago Giménez and Rafael Leão formed the attacking line.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku, and Zachary Athekame were later substituted on.

Samuele Ricci Roles & Addition To AC Milan’s Midfield

The match against Atalanta marked another start for Samuele Ricci, who delivered a solid, impactful performance.

Ricci was central to AC Milan not only in the playmaking phase but also in covering, defending, and attacking.