Atalanta’s remarkable run of form continues, as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AC Milan in the second fixture of Serie A’s 15th matchday. The win, their ninth consecutive across all competitions, saw La Dea climb to the top of the table, leaving Milan trailing a daunting 12 points behind.
Even with Gian Piero Gasperini serving a touchline ban and replaced by his assistant Massimo Gritti, Atalanta made the most of their opportunities from set-pieces, with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman delivering the decisive blows. Álvaro Morata had equalised for the Rossoneri in the first half, but Stefano Fonseca’s side ultimately faltered in a match dominated by tactical discipline and decisive moments.
Far from the end-to-end spectacle many anticipated, the clash was a tightly contested, tactical battle. Both sides probed cautiously, looking to exploit mistakes rather than risk committing too many men forward. For all the planning, though, it was set-pieces that proved Milan’s undoing, as Atalanta demonstrated ruthless efficiency when it mattered most.
The early stages suggested an open affair. Just 15 seconds in, Christian Pulisic forced Marco Carnesecchi into a sharp save, while Ederson weaved through defenders moments later to tee up Mario Pašalić, whose effort lacked the precision to beat Mike Maignan. It was Atalanta who struck first, though, as former Milan man De Ketelaere rose highest at the far post to power a header past Maignan in the 12th minute, leaving Theo Hernandez in his wake.
Milan responded with intent and were back on terms by the 22nd minute. A perfectly weighted through-ball from Hernandez released Rafael Leão, who squared it unerringly for Morata to finish from close range. The equaliser appeared to breathe confidence into the Rossoneri, but their momentum faltered when Pulisic was forced off injured shortly before the break.
Whatever optimism Milan carried into the second half quickly faded. Unable to build out from the back with the same fluidity, Fonseca’s side retreated into a more cautious shape, effectively inviting Atalanta to take control. La Dea, well-drilled and patient, probed for openings and found their rewards late in the game.
As fatigue began to take its toll, Milan’s defence started to waver. Ademola Lookman, a constant threat throughout the match, tested Maignan with a sharp effort in the 79th minute. Just minutes later, the Nigerian struck the decisive blow, pouncing on Sead Kolašinac’s flick-on from a corner to steer the ball into the net with just three minutes remaining. The goal sparked jubilation among the home faithful and underlined Atalanta’s growing credentials as genuine title contenders.
For Fonseca, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. His side’s first-half organisation and incisiveness were undone by a lacklustre second period that saw them retreat rather than respond. With a 12-point gap now separating Milan from the league leaders, the Rossoneri’s title hopes appear all but extinguished.
Meanwhile, Atalanta’s form under Gasperini—and in this match, Gritti—has been nothing short of sensational. Clinical in both boxes and disciplined in their structure, they look every bit like a team capable of sustaining a title challenge.
Atalanta will look to extend their winning streak and solidify their place at the top of the table, while Milan faces the task of regrouping ahead of their next fixture. Fonseca’s men will need a swift response if they are to salvage their season.
For now, though, the Bergamo faithful can revel in their side’s ninth straight win and their place atop Serie A. The question is: can anyone stop La Dea?
