Atalanta 1-1 AC Milan: Five things we learned

AC Milan prolonged their unbeaten run to eight video games in Serie A, however needed to make do with a draw in opposition to Atalanta on the New Steadiness Area.

Milan acquired off to the right begin and silenced a hostile residence crowd when Samuele Ricci fired in from 25 yards out by way of a deflection after a nook had been cleared to him. It was some strategy to get off the mark for his new membership, however from there Atalanta put the Rossoneri’s aim underneath siege.

By the point that Ademola Lookman equalised in the direction of the top of the primary half with a strong near-post shot, it was totally deserved. Milan grew again into the sport within the second half earlier than La Dea completed stronger, however neither aspect may discover a winner.

It means back-to-back attracts for Massimiliano Allegri’s males after the 2-2 with Pisa on Friday, whereas Atalanta have now drawn 5 video games in a row throughout all competitions. Under are 5 speaking factors from the sport.

1. Knocked off his surfboard

Rafael Leao has been essential in latest video games, with a brace in opposition to Fiorentina to assist Milan come again and get all three factors, after which a aim in opposition to Pisa that made it three objectives in two league video games, however sadly didn’t assist his aspect win.

Given the above, it was anticipated that Leao can be the primary man in opposition to Atalanta. Nonetheless, the truth was that the Portuguese supplied little to nothing within the opening 45 minutes and was subbed off at half-time. Underwhelming can be an understatement, given the build-up.

Regardless of the objectives in latest video games Leao has not appeared 100% match, and Allegri confirmed after the match that he was battling a hip drawback. The difficulty in opposition to La Dea was that he didn’t attempt to get entangled in any respect, regardless of the potential to be a helpful outlet in transition, particularly one aim up.

Leao should do lots higher particularly when key gamers like Adrien Rabiot and Christian Pulisic are absent, and he must tackle the duty himself.

2. No menace

We already talked about the underwhelming sport Leao had however we additionally want to handle the remainder of the entrance line as nicely.

Santiago Gimenez had a horrible sport the place his passing, motion and ball management had been all dire. He can’t appear to construct up on the couple of excellent video games he had earlier within the marketing campaign, and is again to being a legal responsibility greater than he’s an asset, sadly.

Then we’ve Alexis Saelemaekers who, to his credit score, appeared for the ball and tried to make issues occur with some good dribbles. The top product was sorely missing, and on the different finish the Belgian was partly at fault for Lookman’s aim in addition to he was too gradual to maneuver up the pitch.

Off the bench, Christopher Nkunku was as underwhelming as Leao, if no more. The Frenchman has had a few months now with correct coaching however he nonetheless appears as sluggish as he was in the beginning of the season. Contemplating he value €37m plus bonuses, he must get firing rapidly.

3. Blended midfield

Samuele Ricci scored the opener for his aspect and sadly it wasn’t sufficient to be a winner, however a minimum of it should give the midfielder a confidence increase. An absence of normal begins had him wanting rusty, however in opposition to Atalanta he moved faster, his passing was sharper and he usually didn’t draw back from the duels.

Luka Modric had his worst sport since arriving, giving the ball away within the build-up to the equaliser. But, at 40 years of age and having been persistently sensible in 9 consecutive begins, a little bit of fatigue was certain to point out. Allegri should give the Croatian a break when his different gamers recuperate.

Youssouf Fofana who was shielded a bit by Modric and Rabiot within the video games previous to the worldwide break, however with the Frenchman out and Modric struggling, the Frenchman was uncovered, wanting clumsy and irritating to look at.

He was not tidy in possession, and on the different finish he was too gradual to step up for the aim permitting his opponent to have the area and time to punish Milan. With Ricci enhancing and Jashari nearing a return, Fofana would possibly simply sit on the bench in a few weeks.

4. January intervention wanted

The skinny squad would possibly’ve not sounded too dangerous previous to the summer season – particularly given the dearth of midweek commitments in Europe – however the a number of accidents Milan have had ruined any Scudetto bid hopes as Allegri scrambles to determine an answer.

Having solely 19 outfield gamers by alternative is a tough start line, however when those that can be found similar to Gimenez, Fofana and others aforementioned are usually not contributing, it’s truly a miracle that Milan are this excessive within the desk.

The group had been taking part in brilliantly with Rabiot in Pulisic within the beginning XI, however given the struggles in latest weeks the administration should handle the depth in January if they need the group to struggle for silverware, which is totally doable if the best additions come.

A striker and a centre-back appear the plain areas to handle, to solidify the rearguard and add firepower. Hopefully the midfield might be in higher form when Rabiot and Jashari come again, whereas the jury stays out on the wing-back areas.

5. Bend don’t break

One of many strengths for Milan to this point this season has been that the group defended as a unit, with the forwards being the primary line, then little or no area between the midfield and again line. This time, the entrance two departments didn’t assist, and it left the rearguard far more uncovered within the first half.

Mike Maignan made a few respectable saves – together with an excellent one late on to disclaim Zappacosta – and he couldn’t be blamed for the aim given it was a failure by these in entrance of him and a rocket of a shot from Lookman.

Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic had been stable as normal barring a few shaky moments, as they proceed to determine themselves as undroppable. Fikayo Tomori was extra shaky: his positioning on the aim was poor, and he additionally dived in a few instances with out getting the ball, like for Zappacosta’s large likelihood. He might need picked up a knee harm too, by lunging in on a number of events.

Saelemaekers and Davide Bartesaghi most likely get a passing grade. The latter specifically was nicely up for the bodily battles he engaged in, and transferring ahead he was the one who surprisingly broke Atalanta’s traces.

Contemplating the stress the again 5 had been put underneath, it was an evening and day show in comparison with the one in opposition to Pisa. One aim conceded in opposition to this Atalanta aspect shouldn’t be the top of the world, all issues thought-about.