Atalanta Vs Milan

Both Atalanta BC and AC Milan are currently riding impressive unbeaten runs, setting the stage for a thrilling Lombardy derby that will take place under the Friday night lights in Bergamo. With Atalanta in scintillating form, having secured eight consecutive Serie A victories, they are firmly in the hunt for the Scudetto, while AC Milan, trailing by nine points and with one game in hand, will be looking to close the gap on their regional rivals in this highly anticipated clash.

Atalanta's surge in Serie A has been nothing short of remarkable. Their recent victory over Roma not only kept them within a point of the league leaders but also extended their winning streak to eight matches. This impressive run has brought them closer to equaling a club record of nine consecutive victories set back in 2020. Their captain, Marten De Roon, alongside former Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo, were among the scorers in their victory at Stadio Olimpico, continuing what has been a phenomenal start to the 2024-25 season. This run has not only seen Atalanta climb the Serie A standings but also put them in a commanding position in European competitions.

For the first time in the club’s history, Atalanta have amassed over 30 points after 14 Serie A games, an achievement that highlights their exceptional form. Their attacking prowess has been a standout feature, with the Bergamaschi leading the league in goals scored, five ahead of their nearest competitors. Gian Piero Gasperini’s team has been prolific in front of goal, registering at least two goals in each of their last 11 league games at their home stadium, Gewiss Stadium, which will host their encounter with Milan.

One of the standout performers for Atalanta this season has been Charles De Ketelaere, a player they acquired from Milan in the summer. The Belgian forward was instrumental in their dominant 6-1 victory over Young Boys in the Champions League, contributing to five goals. De Ketelaere’s performances in Europe have been pivotal, as Atalanta remain unbeaten in European competitions this season, following their triumph in the Europa League last year. The Nerazzurri have secured a spot in the knockout rounds of the Champions League, sitting two points clear of Milan and boasting a healthy lead in their group. Atalanta's form in Europe complements their excellent domestic campaign, and they enter this match full of confidence, both in Serie A and on the continent.

AC Milan, on the other hand, find themselves in a more challenging position after a somewhat inconsistent start to the season. Despite having secured four wins in their last eight encounters with Atalanta in Serie A, including a memorable 3-2 victory in Bergamo almost exactly a year ago and a Coppa Italia win at San Siro, Milan have struggled to maintain a steady rhythm. Sitting in seventh place in the Serie A standings, nine points adrift of their local rivals, Milan will need to find another gear to keep up with Atalanta in what promises to be a crucial fixture in their season.

However, Milan’s recent form suggests they may be on the cusp of a turnaround. Under the guidance of coach Paulo Fonseca, the Rossoneri have shown signs of improvement, most notably with a stunning victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League. This win, which was their third consecutive Champions League triumph, lifted Milan to a more secure position in their group and provided a much-needed confidence boost after a series of mixed results in Serie A. In fact, Milan’s victory over Real Madrid, coupled with their solid performance in Europe, has breathed new life into their campaign and given them belief that they can overcome the challenges they’ve faced in the league.

In Serie A, Milan also demonstrated their defensive solidity in a 3-0 victory over Empoli last weekend, with Tijjani Reijnders playing a starring role by scoring twice. This win marked their sixth clean sheet in their last 10 league matches, highlighting their growing defensive stability. With Reijnders continuing to impress, Milan will be hoping that their recent momentum can carry over into the Bergamo showdown.

Milan’s midweek Coppa Italia fixture against Serie B leaders Sassuolo saw them put on an emphatic display in the first half, scoring four goals within the opening 23 minutes. The match ended in a resounding 6-1 victory, with Reijnders once again featuring prominently. This performance will give the Rossoneri plenty of confidence going into the weekend’s clash with Atalanta, as they secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia with relative ease.

However, while Milan have shown flashes of their quality, they will need to improve their away form if they are to make an impact in Bergamo. This season, Milan have won only two of their six away games in Serie A, a record that will need to be rectified if they are to compete with Atalanta and other top sides in the league. The Rossoneri’s away form has been a point of concern, and extending their winning streak past this Friday’s match will be a tall order given Atalanta’s formidable home record.

The match in Bergamo promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams in excellent form, albeit with differing levels of consistency. Atalanta will be buoyed by their impressive attacking play, the return of key players, and their remarkable European campaign, while Milan will look to prove their worth and close the gap on their local rivals. With both teams possessing plenty of attacking talent and a desire to secure a crucial three points, this Lombardy derby is shaping up to be a must-watch contest that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons.