After losing two games in a row, AC Milan will face a big challenge to prove they can still compete for the title when they play against Atalanta BC on Sunday evening at San Siro.
Even though Milan is ahead of Atalanta by seven points in the Serie A standings, Atalanta has been on a winning streak, having won their last five league games, and they are closing in on Milan.
After making several changes for last week's loss to Monza, Stefano Pioli is expected to field a strong starting lineup against Atalanta, despite the team's midweek trip to Brittany.
Milan's head coach has received a boost with the return of Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori, and captain Davide Calabria to full training. While Calabria might even start on Sunday, the other two players have been out for a longer period and may only make the bench.
Due to Luka Jovic's suspension from his dismissal in the last league game, Olivier Giroud's position up front is secure. The French forward has scored 12 goals in Serie A this season, just one shy of his best total in Italy's top flight.
Charles De Ketelaere, on loan at Atalanta from Milan, has had a fantastic start to 2024, with six goals and six assists. He will be eager to increase his tally.
Teun Koopmeiners, another attacking threat for Atalanta, has scored seven of his nine goals away from home this season and could reach double figures for the second consecutive campaign. He has already been directly involved in three goals in two games against Milan this season.
Ademola Lookman may also return to Atalanta's lineup after reaching the Africa Nations Cup final with Nigeria. However, he is still dealing with an ankle problem and could join injured defender Jose Luis Palomino on the sidelines.
Even though Milan is ahead of Atalanta by seven points in the Serie A standings, Atalanta has been on a winning streak, having won their last five league games, and they are closing in on Milan.
After making several changes for last week's loss to Monza, Stefano Pioli is expected to field a strong starting lineup against Atalanta, despite the team's midweek trip to Brittany.
Milan's head coach has received a boost with the return of Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori, and captain Davide Calabria to full training. While Calabria might even start on Sunday, the other two players have been out for a longer period and may only make the bench.
Due to Luka Jovic's suspension from his dismissal in the last league game, Olivier Giroud's position up front is secure. The French forward has scored 12 goals in Serie A this season, just one shy of his best total in Italy's top flight.
Charles De Ketelaere, on loan at Atalanta from Milan, has had a fantastic start to 2024, with six goals and six assists. He will be eager to increase his tally.
Teun Koopmeiners, another attacking threat for Atalanta, has scored seven of his nine goals away from home this season and could reach double figures for the second consecutive campaign. He has already been directly involved in three goals in two games against Milan this season.
Ademola Lookman may also return to Atalanta's lineup after reaching the Africa Nations Cup final with Nigeria. However, he is still dealing with an ankle problem and could join injured defender Jose Luis Palomino on the sidelines.
AC Milan possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Calabria, Gabbia, Kjaer, Hernandez; Bennacer, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Holm, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners, Miranchuk; De Ketelaere
Tags:
Serie A