AC Milan take on Atalanta this evening in a big Serie A clash that will test Stefano Pioli’s team and their Scudetto credentials.
Having comfortably beaten Frosinone 3-1 in the last Serie A game, Milan will want to build a run of form so that they can start catching Inter and Juventus at the top of the table.
With a Champions League clash against Newcastle United to think about, the Rossoneri must be careful to avoid any more injuries against Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium.
One of the most intriguing battles on the pitch this evening will see Christian Pulisic attempt to get the better of Giorgio Scalvini in the Atalanta defence. Pulisic will be on the left wing whilst Scalvini is on the right of Atalanta’s back three. Fans have been impressed with how Pulisic has started life at Milan, but Scalvini is one of the best young defenders in Europe so that should be a fascinating battle.
On the other side, Samuel Chukwueze is going to be taking on Matteo Ruggeri who is expected to be on the left of the back three. Chukwueze still has a lot to prove at Milan but his effort levels certainly haven’t dropped recently. Ruggeri has been linked with Milan for quite a while so he may have a point to prove this evening.
Theo Hernandez will be an emergency centre-back for Milan again this evening and he will face a familiar foe as Milan loanee Charles De Ketelaere will be up against him. The Belgian will want to show what he can do and it could suit him to be up against a defender who is not accustomed to playing in this central role.
The other battle in that area for Milan will see Fikayo Tomori attempt to keep Ademola Lookman under control, which is not an easy job. Tomori is the only fit centre-back at the club right now so his secondary aim is to ensure that he gets through the match unscathed. That may not be easy given the speed and dribbling ability that Lookman possesses.
In the midfield, Ederson is going to be doing all that he can to ensure Ruben Loftus-Cheek can not be at his creative best. The Englishman has been impressive recently and will be an attacking threat for the Rossoneri.
This battle is going to be won or lost in the midfield. So far I’m seeing an overpacked midfield by Atalanta with a combination of destroyers and playmakers. Koopmeiners can drop back on defence too. We only have 3 mids. We should play Musah at RW and have him drop back to make up for the lack of numbers and then bring in Chuk in the second half.