Milan – Atalanta

Atalanta break Milan’s three-match winning streak

Milan are back on the winning track. The Rossoneri took turns beating Torino, Tottenham (in the Champions League) and Monza by the same score of 1-0. Victory over the Brienzolli should have been far more assured, but once again the obvious problems of the Rossoneri come to light. Leau, Hernandez and Giroud are too far from their best form. And DeQuetelare has been the main disappointment of the season so far. Wins for Stefano Pioli's charges, although they can add confidence, should not make the team's head spin. With plenty of injuries and many players in sub-optimal form, Milan can hardly hope to continue their streak. Atalanta have lost three times in their last five games. The Bergamasks were knocked out of the Italian Cup and lost to Sassuolo and Lecce in the league. The defeat against the Neroverdi, however, can be put down to fatigue after the meeting with Simone Inzaghi's charges. The result against Lecce was also affected by internal problems. Scalvini and De Roon didn't take to the pitch due to disqualifications, while Pashalic, Zapata and Hatebur were injured. The first three, though, will be able to appear in this game. Gian Paolo Gasperini's side have been excellent away players. In 12 away meetings, the team have won seven games and split points three times. Those defeats came against Sassuolo and Lecce (yes, the Goddess lost both league games to the Wolves). At the same time, Atalanta beat Lazio and Roma away and also shared points with Udinese and Juventus. Interestingly, it is extremely difficult for Milan to take on the Bergamasks at the San Siro. In fact, the Rossoneri have picked up just one win against the Goddess in their last five games on home soil (Atalanta have two wins in that stretch). They drew 1-1 in the first leg, but they were at completely different stages in their development. Milan were still on a winning streak after last season, while Atalanta were just starting to rebuild with their new squad. Now, however, the Scudetto holders' momentum has faded, while the Bergamasks have become a very significant unit in the battle for the top spot. At least a draw is a must for Atalanta.