With the International break over, Milan will feel they have their batteries charged.
That means, that they are ready for an eight match sprint until the end of the season. The first meeting of those eight comes in Bergamo, in the form of Atalanta.
Sinisa Mihajlovic had a large part of his rossoneri squad with him over the break, and will feel his team may have the edge for the matchup, at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
The stop of domestic action helped Milan, after going three games without victory, and collecting a mere two points. With a large portion of the group not on international duty was a warm welcoming for the Serb. Since, the Lombardy giants are in a race for what seems a lost cause in a Champions League birth.
Milan have history on their side, despite being dominated in a 0-0 draw with Atalanta at the San Siro in November. Visiting Bergamo, Milan have won ten of their last sixteen matches at the Azzurri d’Italia, including three draws.
Edy Reja, however, is living on thin ice in the hosts dugout despite their disposing of Bologna, to end a fourteen winless skid going all the way back to November’s win at Roma.
However, there has been a bright light for Atalanta, as Alejandro Gomez has rediscoved his form, which can threaten Milan, Also Alessando Diamanti’s great showing against Bologna, can cause i rossoneri problems.
Gomez’ six goals this season have been just enough to keep the hosts out of the relegation zone and the forward is very much capable of capatlizing on any defensive mistakes.
This match is also a battle of ex’s. Milan loanee Gabriel Paletta has his hands full to try and keep Giacomo Bonaventura quiet, who spent seven years in Bergamo. Especially, considering Jack scored a brace in Milan’s 3-1 win last season.
Probable Line-ups:
Atalanta: (4-2-3-1) Sportiello; Masiello, Toloi, Paletta, Drame; Cigarini, De Roon; Kurtic, Diamanti, Gomez; Pinilla.
Milan: (4-4-2) Donnarumma, Abate, Zapata, Romagnoli, Antonelli; De Sciglio, Montolivo, Bertolacci, Bonaventura; Bacca, Luiz Adriano.
