In a highly anticipated Serie A encounter, Atalanta will host AC Milan at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Friday evening. The match pits two of Lombardy’s finest against each other, with both teams riding impressive unbeaten streaks.
Atalanta, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, have been in scintillating form, winning their last eight Serie A matches. This run has propelled them to within touching distance of the league summit, just one point behind leaders Napoli. The Bergamaschi are on the verge of equaling their club record of nine consecutive victories, set back in 2020.
La Dea’s attacking prowess has been particularly noteworthy this season. They lead the Serie A scoring charts by a considerable margin, having netted 36 times in just 14 matches. At home, their record is even more impressive, scoring at least twice in each of their last 11 league fixtures at the Gewiss Stadium.
AC Milan, while not matching Atalanta’s consistency, have shown recent signs of improvement. The Rossoneri, led by Paulo Fonseca, currently sit seventh in the table, nine points behind their Friday night opponents. However, Milan’s recent form has been encouraging, with a string of positive results in both domestic and European competitions.
The match brings together four of Serie A’s most productive players in 2024: De Ketelaere and Lookman for Atalanta, and Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic for Milan. Their performances could well decide the outcome of this crucial encounter.
Team News
Atalanta will be without their manager Gasperini on the touchline due to a suspension. Striker Gianluca Scamacca remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Davide Zappacosta is nearing a return from a muscular issue. The prolific Mateo Retegui is expected to lead the line, supported by Ademola Lookman and former Milan player Charles De Ketelaere.
Milan have fewer injury concerns, with only Ismael Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi, and Luka Jovic unavailable. Key players Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez have returned to training and are likely to feature.
Expected Starting XIs
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Thiaw, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Morata
Match Prediction
Given Atalanta’s home form and Milan’s inconsistency on the road, La Dea should just about edge this, in part thanks to their goal scoring exploits and ability to weather pressue.
Prediction: Atalanta 2-1 Milan
