Serie A 2022-23: AC Milan vs Atalanta: Predicted Lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Rossoneri's aspiration to secure a top-four spot in Serie A face the La Dea test.

Following a 1-0 victory over Monza last week, Milan has 44 points from 23 games, equal with Roma in third position. Also, they are three points ahead of Atalanta in sixth. After going seven games without a success, Milan returned to the Champions League spots on Saturday with a 1-0 triumph at Monza. This is their third consecutive win across all competitions and AC Milan vs Atalanta takes place in the San Siro Stadium in Milan.

One of Milan's recent 1-0 victories was their thrilling home triumph over Spurs Hotspur in the last-16 of the Champions League. Even so, Milan, the defending champs, haven't yet won four straight games this year, and it's been five years since they've gone more games without losing in a run.

In its last four games against teams in Serie A's top six, Pioli's team has only earned one point. However, it is a favorable moment to play Atalanta, who have dropped three of their last four games overall. Recent decline includes defeats by Lecce and Sassuolo, two poor teams. Atalanta had four victories and two ties in its first six games of 2023 before its recent downturn in performance.

Kick-off:

Sunday, 26-02-2023; 7:45 AM (GMT)

Monday, 27-02-2023; 01:15 AM (IST)

AC Milan form (all competition): L-L-W-W-W

Atalanta form (all competition): D-W-L-W-L

Players to watch

AC Milan: Rafael Leao

Rafael Leao, the in-form forward who can play as a center forward or on either side, would be a crucial component. His speed and dribbling skills make him a dangerous offensive menace, and also he has displayed brief bursts of genius while playing for AC Milan. He has, nonetheless, additionally come under fire for his inconsistency and absence of the required effort rate off the ball. Leao will be a player to keep an eye on because of his ability to score goals and because he has been playing well since being designated Serie A Player of the Month.

Atalanta: Ademola Lookman

Lookman is another striker who is having a great form in this season. In January 2023, he scored doubles in three straight games: an 8-2 Serie A victory over Salernitana, a 5-2 Coppa Italia triumph over Spezia, and a 3-3 Serie A tie with Juventus. He is the top scorer for Atalanta and would be a key player in this upcoming attacking football match.

Match Facts

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic might only get to play a supporting role.
• AC Milan prevailed in 17 games directly. Atlanta claimed 11 victories. Thirteen games were drawn.
• In direct encounters, both sides tallied 2.68 goals per game on average.

Team News and Injury update

Atalanta will be without Demiral who is suspended, and Zapata and Hateboer who are both injured.  Former Rossonero Mario Pasalic is another star whose situation is in question. The Croatian midfielder, who missed the matches against Lazio and Lecce, actually exercised separately yesterday and may not play against the Rossoneri as well.

The same is evident for AC Milan, who will be without Ismael Bennacer and Davide Calabria due to their individual injuries.

Head-to-head record

Matches: 31

AC Milan Win:  13

Atalanta Win: 10

Draws: 8

Predicted Lineup

AC Milan predicted lineup (3-5-2):

Maignan; Kalulu, Thiaw, Tomori; Messias, Tonali, Krunić, Bennacer, Hernandez; Leão, Giroud

Atalanta predicted lineup (3-4-2-1):

 Musso; Palomino, Djmsiti, Tolói; Zappacosta, Koopmeiners, Éderson, Mæhle; Lookman, Muriel; Højlund

Match Prediction

In this exciting Lombardy rivalry, Stefano Pioli's record-breaking team will face a visiting team whose hot streak has simmered off recently, with just two points and one goal from two league games.

As Atalanta are ready to go toe-to-toe with their larger and bolder Lombardy neighbors, this AC Milan vs Atalanta matchup between two younger teams should be a pleasure for neutrals and supporters alike. The abundance of attacking talent available to both managers must undoubtedly produce a suitable spectacle to bring the first half of the season to a belated conclusion.

Prediction: AC Milan 2 – 2 Atalanta

Telecast Details

India: Viacom 18, JioTV

USA: ESPN+, CBS Sports

UK: BT Sport

Nigeria: DSTV and GOTV