Serie A: Can Milan Make it Third Time Lucky against Lookman-less Atalanta?

AC Milan vs Atalanta

It’s third versus fourth in Serie A this weekend and a contest which has potential end-of-season implications for both clubs.

It is too little too late in my view for AC Milan to challenge for the title against Juventus and their city rivals Inter.

However, they remain only two points adrift of second place Juve.

Atalanta, meanwhile, head a close race for fourth spot, ahead of the likes of big boys Roma, Lazio and reigning champions Napoli – not to mention the impressive Bologna and Fiorentina – and need to keep them at bay.

Talking Points

Under the impressive management of Gian Piero Gasperini, La Dea have not lost since before Christmas and have their eyes on the Coppa Italia prize, (they face Fiorentina in the semi-finals in April) as well as a top four finish in the league.

They also have the recent psychological advantage over the Milan giants with two victories (in league and cup) against them over the past few months.

While only leaders Inter can better Atalanta’s most recent five league wins on the bounce, AC Milan have been in decent domestic form themselves.

That is until last weekend when Monza scored twice in a frantic finish.

Milan, who had Luka Jovic sent off, fought back from 2-0 down thanks to an Olivier Giroud volley and Christian Pulisic’s 88th-minute strike.

But goals in added time from Warren Bondo and Lorenzo Colombo gave Monza their first Serie A win over Milan and a collection of Serie A 2024 highlights to remember.

As a result, Jovic will be suspended this weekend, joining the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Davide Calabria on the sidelines.

Atalanta have key absences too with goal-getter and top scorer Ademola Lookman ruled out, alongside Jose Palomino.

They have had a week to prepare, unlike Milan who were in France on Thursday night in Europa League action at Rennes.

With a 3-0 first leg lead, Milan went down 3-2 but were never really in trouble and won the play-off tie 5-3 on aggregate.

Former Chelsea man player Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who scored two goals in the first leg, came on as a substitute in the second half and will no doubt start on Sunday.

Boss Stefano Pioli has done a fine job at the San Siro, including a 2022 title success, and will be frustrated by the team’s inconsistent results this season.

He seemingly retains the trust of owner Gerry Cardinale, President Paolo Scaroni, and CEO Giorgio Furlani, although speculation suggests Pioli needs to win the Europa League to hang onto his job.

He also needs Champions League football and a top four finish will guarantee that.

History

This will be their second meeting since the turn of the year and their third in as many months.

Atalanta enjoyed a 2-1 Coppa Italia success at Milan last month when Rafael Leao’s finish was cancelled out within 90 seconds by Teun Koopmeiners.

Koopmeiners would sting the Rossoneri again in the second half, from the penalty spot, after Alex Jimenez was controversially penalised for a foul. The Dutchman converted from 12 yards and it would prove to be the winner.

They also defeated the Milan giant at home in December when a last-gasp backheel from substitute Luis Muriel settled a five-goal thriller.

That added to a double from striker Lookman, who opened the scoring with a deflected shot before Giroud’s superb header drew Milan level.

Lookman restored Atalanta’s lead 10 minutes after the interval before Luka Jovic’s left-foot finish looked to have earned a point for Stefan Pioli’s men, who finished with 10 men after defender Calabria was dismissed for two bookings.

Milan ran out 2-0 winners in the corresponding league game last season, thanks to an own goal and Junior Messias.

Overall, Milan have won 24 of their 50 games, Atalanta exactly half fewer (12), and there have been 14 draws.

Atalanta are bidding for a league double over their illustrious opponents for the first time since 2007-08.

Betting Tip

Now here are two teams which the SBOTOP Serie A 2024 betting odds have evenly matched.

AC Milan are priced 1X2 @ 2.36 and Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.36.

Atalanta, meanwhile, are on offer 1X2 @ 2.72 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.14.

These sides like to attack and that is reflected on odds such as Over 3.00 @ 2.36 and Total Goals 4-6 @ 3.07.

For a very rare occasion, I’ve also considered (although only briefly) Odd Even bets with Odd @ 1.98 a possibility.

Another 2-1 Atalanta success will pay out @ 10.00 with Correct Score, which also offers you a pay day @ 12.50 if there’s to be a re-run of this fixture last term – a 2-0 home victory.

In the end, though, I’ve gone for honours even.

 

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