AC Milan’s Coppa Italia journey continues tonight with a home clash against Atalanta, a match that promises to be a real test for the Rossoneri and one that they can’t take lightly. There are going to be a number of key battles around the pitch that could decide this cup clash.
Milan beat Cagliari 4-1 in the last round at San Siro with Luka Jovic scoring twice, whilst Atalanta were victorious over Sassuolo to reach this stage of the tournament.
For this match, both teams are expected to play in a 3-4-3 and it means there could be five thrilling battles.
The key battles
Jovic is expected to start again in the cup for Milan, seeing Olivier Giroud drop to the bench after he faced Empoli in Serie A at the weekend. Jovic is going to be taking on new signing Isak Hien. He joined Atalanta this month from Hellas Verona and the Swede will be doing all he can to impress and keep Jovic out of the game.
At the other end of the pitch, newly recalled Matteo Gabbia is expected to start at the centre of Milan’s defensive three, and he will be up against a familiar face. Charles De Ketelaere is enjoying his false-nine role for Atalanta whilst on loan from Milan, and he will want to get the better of Gabbia and show why he should have a future at Milan.
In the midfield, Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be trying to build on his great performance and goal against Empoli, but Ederson is expected to stick to him like glue and try to limit the Englishman’s creativity.
In recent weeks, Teun Koopmeiners has become more of a forward player for La Dea and he should play on the right of their attacking three. That means he will be trying to get behind Theo Hernandez who is playing as a centre-back once again. That could be a particularly fascinating battle.
Finally, Rafael Leao will try to continue his return to form in this game and he will be trying to get the better of one of Italy’s best young players, Giorgio Scalvini. It could be a tough night for the Atalanta defender if Leao is at his best.
