AC Milan vs. Atalanta: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game

Milan go into Sunday morning's game at home against Atalanta desperately needing points to not dip further into mid-table in Serie A.

There are simply no more excuses as a win is a must for Filippo Inzaghi's men. The Rossoneri have struggled mightily against provincial sides this season, often looking lost in the build up and always finding it difficult to break down defensive units that seem to concede plenty more against other teams.

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Chemistry takes a while to build, but it's hard to make excuses for Milan after losing at home against Sassuolo in Serie A, then drawing against Torino.

Sure, Milan are coming off a 2-1 victory against Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia, but even that seemed like a disjointed effort. Sassuolo were denied a goal and could have just as easily pushed Milan into extra time and possibly a penalty shootout.

In this edition of issues and decisions, we're going to be focusing on the attack, which is an area that has divided plenty of fans. The recent signings, swapping and dealings have also left a lot of questions about how Inzaghi will use his attack going forward.

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In the game against Atalanta, expect a few changes from what we've seen recently from Inzaghi. First and foremost, Stephan El Shaarawy is expected to start. He needs to be there from the opening minute. He allows Milan to be a lot more vertical in their build up as he's the quickest player they have in the attacking unit. 

The first issue going into the game deals with the attack. Inzaghi has plenty of options and now is plagued with the decision of whether or not to use Giampaolo Pazzini. Poor Pazzini has only played a total of 117 minutes this entire season in Serie A.

He still hasn't started a match in the league, but was impressive in Milan's Coppa Italia match against Sassuolo, where he gave his club a different dimension up front and scored a world-class goal on a volley right into the side netting, a skill reserved for the most clinical of finishers.

Pazzini is the only true out-and-out striker the club have now that Fernando Torres was swapped to Atletico Madrid. He provides important hold up play that allows the wingers along with the rest of the team to get forward.

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Not only that, but it gives Milan's full-backs a real target to aim at with crosses when they do decide to make those overlapping runs into the final third.

According to the probable lineups section in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inzaghi will use Jeremy Menez once again as a false No. 9, with Alessio Cerci receiving his Serie A debut from the first minute as well.

Cerci was also impressive in Milan's last match against Sassuolo. Despite not having played many competitive minutes this season, he just needs a bit of confidence to rekindle that wonderful form he had with Torino. Cerci set up Pazzini's goal with a lovely cross after cutting inside to his favored left foot from the right flank.

Expect Pazzini to come in during the second half if Milan's result isn't favorable, even though he should be getting a chance to shine from the first minute. He's only two seasons removed from scoring 15 goals in the league and has proven throughout the years that he is a capable Serie A goalscorer.

With all the attacking options available to Inzaghi, it's certainly a luxurious problem for a coach to have.