5 things from AC Milan's tenacious win over Atalanta
Welcome to the 5 Things recap by theScore's Anthony Lopopolo, which highlights AC Milan's performances over the 2018-19 season. Here's a breakdown of Milan's 3-1 victory over Atalanta.
Milan finally clinical in front of goal
Despite a limited number of touches, Krzysztof Piatek made the difference yet again. He converted two of three shots against Atalanta, including an audacious no-look volley that swerved inside Etrit Berisha's far post. That first goal arguably changed the complexion of the match, arriving at the end of a first half that Atalanta dominated from start to finish. Since joining from Genoa, the 23-year-old striker has converted 33 percent of his chances, an unbelievable return that's helped Milan win when they've struggled to create consistent opportunities. It's not only his finishing ability but his spatial awareness that allows him to get a step on his defender. That's an important quality to have - and one Milan have been missing for several years.
Victory masks a mediocre performance
The score suggests Milan ran away with the proceedings, but the truth is that they didn't play that well. The goals came in a short burst, and they were lucky to only concede once. Josip Ilicic found it too easy to dribble into the penalty area, and Duvan Zapata was a menacing force on and off the ball. Atalanta also pressed Milan high and hard and deserved more from such a positive display. Milan didn't even attack with much coherence. As big as Saturday's result is, there's still to plenty to improve.
Calhanoglu finally scores from distance
No matter how futile, Hakan Calhanoglu has kept taking shots from distance, hoping that one will find its way into the net. And after 42 attempts from outside the box, he finally scored his first goal of the Serie A season, uncorking a spectacular shot off a poor clearance. It had seemed like Calhanoglu was playing with blinders, ignoring better options to try his luck on goal, but that stubbornness paid off Saturday. It may just be the moment that revives his career.
Suso too quiet on the right wing
Suso can play a whole lot better than this. He hasn't set up a goal since November, and he's not doing enough to get into dangerous areas of the pitch. Suso used to be Milan's driving force, the one who made the Rossoneri an unpredictable enterprise in the final third, but that's changed. He was a passenger against Atalanta, unable to make any progress in the opponent's half. It's good that Milan now have options other than Suso - he was shouldering too much of the attacking burden in the opening half of the season - but the 25-year-old has to contribute more. He's one of the main reasons Gennaro Gattuso is using a 4-3-3 formation, but he's not performing like a protagonist.
Donnarumma judging crosses much better
Gianluigi Donnarumma could've - and probably should've - saved Atalanta's goal, but considering the number of times he's bailed out Milan, the 19-year-old gets a pass. He also merits praise for the way he's evolved his game. Donnarumma has shown much more confidence in the air, picking the right moments to collect crosses mid-flight. He's no longer bobbling balls or spilling possession in vulnerable areas of the pitch. Donnarumma's overall command of the penalty area is stronger than it's ever been.