AC Milan moved into fourth place in Serie A after surviving a late Atalanta fightback to win 3-2 at San Siro. The victory extended Ruben Amorim’s unbeaten start in the league to seven matches and kept Milan among the teams yet to lose in the Italian top flight this season.
Milan came into the game in good form after a 4-0 win away to RB Salzburg in the Europa League on Thursday. They looked set for another comfortable victory after building a three-goal lead, but Atalanta’s response made the closing stages far more difficult than the hosts had expected.
Amorim’s side remain unbeaten alongside Inter Milan, Lazio and Roma. The result also strengthens Milan’s position in the race for European qualification, although the final stages showed that their defence still has work to do when opponents apply pressure.
Christian Pulisic thought he had given Milan an early lead when he scored from close range, but a VAR review ruled out the goal for offside.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 24th minute from the penalty spot. Atalanta had been forced to make an early change after Sead Kolasinac suffered an injury, and substitute Relja Obric was soon involved in a costly incident.
Obric attempted to block Yunus Musah’s shot, but the ball struck his outstretched hand. The referee reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor before awarding a penalty, which Goncalo Ramos converted by sending Marco Carnesecchi the wrong way.
Milan increased their advantage shortly before half-time. Diego Moreira found Adrien Rabiot near the edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder moved inside before driving a low shot into the bottom corner.
Ramos had the chance to put Milan further ahead early in the second half after another handball decision went in the home side’s favour. Thomas Kristensen handled Rabiot’s volley, and VAR confirmed the penalty.
This time, however, Carnesecchi guessed correctly and saved Ramos’ effort. Milan still found a third goal from the resulting corner, as Mario Gila headed home at the far post after Rabiot flicked the ball on.
Atalanta refused to give up despite trailing by three goals. Gianluca Gaetano brought them back into the contest in the 66th minute with a composed finish inside the six-yard box.
The visitors then made the final minutes uncomfortable for Milan when Nikola Krstovic scored with nine minutes remaining. A quick counterattack allowed Atalanta to reduce the deficit to one goal and raised the prospect of a late equaliser. Milan held their nerve to defend their lead and secure all three points.
