Atalanta 2-3 Milan: Player ratings as Rossoneri secure impressive victory
Milan strengthened their Serie A title credentials with an impressive 3-2 away win against Atalanta on Sunday night.
Davide Calabria, Sandro Tonali and Rafael Leao scored for Stefano Pioli's side, with Duvan Zapata and Mario Pasalic netting at the death for the hosts. The result moved the Rossoneri up to second place in the table - two points behind early leaders Napoli
The visitors took just 28 seconds to open the scoring with Calabria motoring through on goal from right-back and tapping home after his initial effort was saved.
Atalanta responded well to this early setback and Milan had Mike Maignan to thank for keeping them in the game. The Rossoneri goalkeeper made good stops from Zapata and Davide Zappacosta midway through the first half as La Dea threatened.
Atalanta were made to rue their wastefulness just before the break when Tonali picked Remo Freuler's pocket and finished calmly.
Alexis Saelemaekers should have put the game beyond Atalanta on the hour mark, but he could only head Ante Rebic's perfect cross over the bar.
MIlan eventually extended their advantage when Rafael Leao lashed home Theo Hernandez's through ball to continue his fine start to the season.
Before the end Atalanta regained some pride when Zapata thumped his penalty past Maignan after substitute Junior Messias was penalised for a handball in the box. With seconds left to play, Mario Pasalic haunted his former club, tapping home to set up a tense conclusion.
Here are your Milan player ratings from Bergamo...
AC Milan player ratings
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Mike Maignan (GK) - 7/10 - Made three excellent stops to keep Milan in front in the first half.
Davide Calabria (RB) - 8/10 - What a game. He bombed forward and got his side off to the perfect start with a terrific goal. Injury is a real worry.
Simon Kjaer (CB) - 7/10 - Calm and composed. A real defensive leader for this Milan side. Performance was even more impressive as he was returning from injury.
Fikayo Tomori (CB) - 7/10 - Another promising display. Deserves his recent England call-up on current form.
Theo Hernandez (LB) - 8/10 - Solid and gave his side plenty of width. Delivery was pretty exceptional too and he registered an assist.
2. Midfielders
Sandro Tonali (CM) - 8/10 - One of his best games for Milan. He was everywhere and deserved his goal, which came as a direct result of his hard work and intelligence.
Franck Kessie (CM) - 7/10 - All-action display. Was guilty of some sloppiness but matched Atalanta's midfield for energy.
Brahim Diaz (AM) - 6/10 - Tidy and spritely. Looked fatigued towards the end - probably because he's played so much football recently.
3. Forwards
Alexis Saelemaekers (RW) - 6/10 - Instigated the press with a energy-filled display. A bit wasteful in front of goal, though. One miss in the second half was particularly poor.
Ante Rebic (ST) - 7/10 - Led the line effectively, running the channels and carving out plenty of opportunities for his side. Finished with X key passes.
Rafael Leao (LW) - 7/10 - Barely involved in possession for much of the game. Made amends with a devastating finish in the second half.
4. Substitutes
Junior Messias - 5/10 - Penalty decision was very harsh.
Ismael Bennacer - N/A
Fode Ballo - N/A
Pietro Pellegri - N/A