Milan couldn’t match Atalanta’s performance last night and eventually lost the game by three goals to nil. Although the Rossoneri are disappointed, they only have themselves to blame as the referee did well.
As reported by Gazzetta Dello Sport this morning (via MilanLive), analysing the key incidents, Maurizio Mariani earned a 7/10 rating as he did well in almost all decisivse situations. Very little to complain about, in other words.
In the 51st minute, he rightfully awarded Atalanta a penalty kick after Franck Kessie elbowed Josip Ilicic. It was impossible not to point to the spot and the Ivorian midfielder’s naive swing cost Milan dearly.
A few minutes earlier, Mariani could have given Hans Hateboer a yellow card as he delivered a knock to Pierre Kalulu’s side. The Frenchman was then forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher due to the incident.
And against Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the referee blew his whistle a lot. In the first half, he gave a foul in favour of Pierluigi Gollini when it was clear that the goalkeeper dropped the ball himself. The Swede, meanwhile, did everything right.
It could have been a great opportunity for the Rossoneri. Other than that, though, Mariani’s performance was spot on and Stefano Pioli’s side will have to improve their game.
READ MORE: Pioli says Milan paid ‘heavy price’ vs. Atalanta and reveals which mistakes ruined balance – video
