At 6:00 PM today (Italy's time), AC Milan take on the field against Atalanta in what will be a packed San Siro stadium. Over 70k fans will be present. and there were 200k ticket requests for this game. Fans from all over the world have traveled to watch this top fixture as Pioli's team really need all the support that they can get.
The Rossoneri are 4 points away from winning the Scudetto and if Inter drop points against Cagliari today and Milan get the win, then the red and black faithful will be celebrating Scudetto.
The two games that remain are against Atalanta today and Sassuolo next Sunday. However, we do not have to think about the last challenge against the Neroverdi. The strategy which kept the Rossoneri team always advance forward is by taking this path step by step, and this delicate period in particular will not make Pioli change this approach.
Today, all Rossoneri, players, staff, managers and fans will only think about these coming 90 minutes. Zlatan Ibrahimovic's teammates will have to find it in themselves to break yet another curse this season: AC Milan have not been able to win against Atalanta at the San Siro since 2014 (Allegri was the coach then and Kakà scored a brace in a 3-1 win).
Now, Stefano Pioli relies on his quality players who have proved to be tactically disciplined and mentally strong. There are all the conditions to get the three points. The players are healthy and motivated while the fans will surely keep cheering with passion until the last second and beyond.
Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez and Olivier Giroud will be the key men of this fixture. The left flank will be the point of reference as usual. But, an important factor in the game is that Sandro Tonali could and Franck Kessié are going to be very dangerous weapons. They are both heavy scorers for their positions as they have a combined 10 goal tally between them this season. Perhaps we could see the former Brescia star making his runs forward like against Hellas Verona as his insertion times into the box were accurate and crucial for the win.
Atalanta and AC Milan's probable lineups:
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta has studied the best possible options:
4-2-3-1: Musso; Hateboer, Djimsiti, Palomino, Maehle; De Roon, Freuler; Zappacosta, Koopmeiners, Boga; Muriel.
As for the Rossoneri, this should be the lineup that will be deployed today by mister Stefano Pioli
