Serie A: AC Milan vs. Atalanta Preview, Odds, Prediction

AC Milan hosts Atalanta in one of the most important games for Rossoneri in the last decade. They are two points ahead of the city rivals, Inter, and the clash against Atalanta could decide the Serie A title. La Dea needs three points to continue the pursuit of the international stage. Missing the European competition next year would be a big blow for the team from Bergamo, who needs it because of the financial resources. The stakes are high, though, Milan has more to lose.

Preview

AC Milan (+175) has just one defeat in the past 17 games. It was in Coppa Italia’s semis against Inter Milan, 0-1. After that, Rossoneri bounced back with three straight victories against Lazio on the road, Fiorentina at home and Verona, also on the road.

When playing at San Siro, Milan is very good, not losing in the previous nine games. Yet we have to say that Rossoneri had four wins and five victories, losing quite a few points which put them in the current position.

Milan’s main weapon is a rock-solid defense. Stefano Pioli’s unit hasn’t allowed a goal in the previous five contests at San Siro, and all of those matches were with under 2.5 scores. The efficiency of their games is low, and eight of the recent nine ended with two goals at most. It might be unattractive, but the results are present.

Atalanta (+300) had a season filled with oscillations. Injuries, poor form, and a few unexpected results, all affected Gasperini’s crew, who was close to the top spot at one moment. The second part of the season saw them collapsing, and only recently did La Dea catch its breath.

The team from Bergamo didn’t lose in four games, posting two wins and two draws. Interestingly, both draws came at home, to Torino and Salareintana, while wins took place on the road.

Atalanta’s events are interesting to watch because they bring goals. Eight of the last 10 were with scores on both ends of the pitch, while six saw three or more hits. We have to note that three in the previous four were with four or more goals.

Latest News

The heart and soul of Milan’s defense Simon Kjaer is out, but he hasn’t been available for some time. Young Daniel Maldini, the son of the famous Paolo, is doubtful.

On the other side, Cabezas and Pezzella are out, while Toloi, Zapata and Ilicic sit as questionable. The latter two are very important for the guest and you should monitor their status.

Head to Head Games

Milan beat Atalanta in the first meeting this year, at Gewiss stadium in Bergamo, 2-3. Rossoneri caught a 0-2 lead in the first half, and they led 0-3 with 12 minutes to go. Hosts scored two goals in the span of six minutes after that but didn’t have time for more.

Prediction

Atalanta is coming to play football in Milan, and be sure that La Dea won’t mind about Milan’s plans and situation. They have ambitions of their own that need to be fulfilled. That is why we predict over 2.5 goals in this one, and avoid prognosis on the final outcome.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals -185