AC Milan were left frustrated after they succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of relegation candidates Atalanta.
The Rossoneri dominated possession for the majority of the game but were caught out by a sweeping counter attack in the 33rd minute when German Denis found the net with his fifth goal of the season.
In only the second minute of the game, Atalanta had a glorious chance to take the lead when Argentine striker Denis was found in space in the Milan penalty area. However after taking the ball under control, the 33-year-old scuffed his shot and it was cleared by the Milan defence.
Despite this early scare, the Rossoneri looked offensively keen in the opening ten minutes. They looked composed in possession and dominated most of the midfield, although they were unable to work their way past a resolute Atalanta defence.
Milan’s early pressure nearly paid off when Giacomo Bonaventura struck a clean half-volley from just outside the penalty area, although it was directed straight at the Atalanta goalkeeper.
However, the Rossoneri were then very close to conceding in the 18th minute when Denis picked up possession just outside the penalty area and smashed the ball against the crossbar. The rebound then found its way to Davide Zappacosta who instantaneously struck a fierce shot towards the left hand corner of the goal, with Lopez displaying his expert reflexes to keep the ball out.
Despite numerous defensive lapses in the opening half, the Rossoneri’s offensive trio began to link up well, with Stephan El Sharaawy going on a mazy run on the half hour, skipping past two defenders and playing the ball into the six yard box, however his shot was parried well by Marco Sportiello. The spilled ball then fell to an onrushing Bonaventua, whose wayward shot was off-target.
Milan soon paid for their defensive naivety, when Denis made the breakthrough with a low drive past Diego Lopez. La Dea took advantage of the Rossoneri’s calamitous defensive organisation with a swift counter attack, before Maxi Moralez found the powerhouse forward free in the box, who took his chance to put the visitors 1-0 up.
Despite controlling the majority of the second half, Milan simply lacked the creativity to create any clear goalscoring chances. They came relatively close to an equaliser in the 75th minute when El Sharaawy met Pablo Armero’s cross well, but his header found its way just over Sportiello’s cross-bar.
As the game reached its end, Milan’s desire began to fizzle out and Lopez once again was forced to come to Milan’s rescue. Atalanta yet again took advantage of the counter attack and Moralez’s close range effort was blocked well by the Spanish goalkeeper.
Adil Rami had the best chance of salvaging a point for the Rossoneri in the 89th minute, however his header was directed straight at Sportiello, who once again made a comfortable save.
