Rainy weather, polar cold and an Atalanta team wanting to make some noise again in the Champions League next season. With these premises, only a great AC Milan team was needed to warm up the over 70,000 spectators at the San Siro stadium, writes Calciomercato.com.
The Rossoneri delivered from all angles: mental and physical endurance throughout the entire 95 minutes, intensity in their style of play, and near-perfect defensive phase. Mike Maignan came back showcasing his personality and leadership, but barely had to intervene thanks to the extraordinary solidity of the defensive trio.
Malick Thiaw was practically perfect, while Pierre Kalulu shut down Lookman. But the real news is the return of Fikayo Tomori at high levels.
Regarding The English central defender had a difficult winter: marking mistakes, heightened emotions leading to nervousness, and little clarity in decision-making. And then a bit of bad luck with that muscular problem that kept him out at the most delicate moment of the season. With the switch to a three-man defense, the Rossoneri found the compactness that characterised them in the final phase of last season, leading to the Scudetto victory. And they found a deluxe version of Fikayo who isn't making mistakes anymore. Rather, he's become a decisive factor for success.
In the fierce competitiveness of the former Chelsea player, the team has found an additional charismatic leader and identified with his spirit. In a tackle won against Lookman, in an open-field recovery against Hojlund. Tomori has returned, and with him, Pioli's true Milan.
