Three takeaways from Atalanta 3-2 Milan

Atalanta leave Milan in troubled waters as they seized a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Rossonerri in match-week 15 of the Serie A at the Gewiss Stadium this evening.

Following two quick-fire goals from Ademola Lookman and Olivier Giroud to keep the score-line level at the end of the first half, the Nigerian international attained a brace for himself as Charles De Ketelaere featured in the role of provider, distributing a well-weighted cross for him to tally his sixth goal of the 2023/24 term.

However, Luka Jovic continues to make a statement as he reignited hope for coach Stefano Pioli’s side, slotting in the equalizer after shortly coming on the pitch in courtesy of a brilliant delivery from Christian Pulisic from the left-hand flank.

Towards the final whistle, an erroneous challenge from Davide Calabria forces a second yellow, paving the way for Luis Muriel to seal a last-gasp winner after Atalanta being handed a numerical advantage on the pitch.

Charles De Ketelaere comes back to haunt former club despite poor first half

All eyes were focused on Charles De Ketelaere as the Belgian international was set to encounter his former club for the very first time in the 2023/24 season after having been loaned out to La Dea as result of his poor form last season.

The attacking-midfielder struggled heavily in the first half of a match where he was provided an opportunity to make a statement for himself after being considered a €30m “flop” last season, failing to find the back of the net from two significant goal-scoring positions.

However, the 22-year-old demonstrated charisma as displayed an enthusiastic second half performance, causing trouble out-wide and bagging an assist as he sliced a pin-point cross for Lookman in the box to restore the lead in the first ten minutes of the second half.

Doubts and concerns surround Davide Calabria following foolish red-card

The Milan skipper continues to weaken his claim to be amongst one of the best full-backs in the league and to be merited a spot in the Italian national team as Davide Calabria has ultimately forced his teammates against a wall in the dying minutes of the vital fixture.

The Rossonerri full-back made a wreckless challenge in the 94th minute of play knowing he was on a yellow. The unnecessary tackle forced the official to send off the 27 year-old, resulting Milan’s work-load being doubled in the last few minutes of the game.

In the end, the relentless pressure of Atalanta was far too much for 10-man Milan side to cope with, resulting in the Rossonerri back-line being breached with very little time remaining.

Gian Piero Gasperini the puppet master

With the match on level terms heading into the final ten minutes of the match, coach Gian Piero Gasperini took a major gamble as he subbed off attacking pair Lookman and De Ketelaere in exchange for Luis Muriel and Aleksey Miranchuk.

Ultimately, the Italian tactician’s adjustments paid off as the two forwards combined in fine fashion, with the Colombian striker beating his marker with a scrumptious first-touch and slotting the game-winner past custodian Mike Maignan.

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN