AC Milan dropped points for the first time in their Scudetto defence last night, drawing 1-1 against Atalanta, but they did battle back from behind to earn a draw.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) reports that Stefano Pioli was right to point out at the end of the match that Milan controlled the match and built so much without giving Atalanta big chances at the other end.
A point Bergamo might not be a bad thing in the economy of the full season and that is why there is plenty of reason to hold a glass half full viewpoint.
In terms of changes, Pioli was able to replace four of his attacking players as Charles De Ketelaere and Olivier Giroud first came on, then Divock Origi and Alexis Saelemaekers. With those changes the attacking pressure increased and Milan got a draw thanks to a pearl from Ismael Bennacer.
Pioli stressed something very important in his post-match statements: “The players replaced? I didn’t change them because of insufficient performances, but because I have strong players.” Milan have depth and therefore different solutions for their attack, something that was lacking last season.
Yesterday’s match against Atalanta, and perhaps also the first half against Udinese, made it clear that Milan are now viewed by others as the team to beat. Pioli’s squad must probably find a new awareness and take measures to maintain concentration with the target now on their back.
Milan are strong and a match like yesterday’s in Bergamo – in which the opponents are happy to have got the draw – is just one more reason to become aware of their means.
