Atalanta vs. AC Milan: Winners and Losers from Serie A
AC Milan lost 2-1 away to Atalanta on Sunday afternoon as their winless run was extended to four consecutive games.
The match began promisingly for the Rossoneri as they took the lead inside five minutes after Guglielmo Stendardo gave away a penalty for a silly handball. Luiz Adriano stepped up and converted the spot-kick with conviction, but the lead wouldn't last until half-time.
On 44 minutes, Atalanta equalised following a concerted period of pressure. Alejandro Gomez had a shot deflected wide, and from the resulting corner, Andrea Masiello headed the ball across the penalty area for Mauricio Pinilla to finish a stunning overhead kick.
Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic introduced Mario Balotelli to good effect on 58 minutes. The Italian striker provided extra creativity, but he was unable to set up or score what would have been a crucial goal.
On 62 minutes, Gomez deservedly put the home side ahead with a well-placed strike. An Alessandro Diamanti cross found its way to the Argentine via clever touches from both Jasmin Kurtic and Marten de Roon inside the visitors' penalty area.
Despite Balotelli's best efforts in setting up fellow substitute Jeremy Menez, the Rossoneri were unable to find a second goal as Sassuolo drew closer to them in the race for European qualification.
Read on to find out Bleacher Report's winners and losers from a match that saw Milan lose their grip on a top-six spot in Serie A.
Winner: Alessandro Diamanti (Atalanta)
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Alessandro Diamanti was crucial to Atalanta's win on Sunday afternoon. Playing in a free role behind Mauricio Pinilla, he caused countless problems for Milan's defensive line.
According to WhoScored.com, he had more touches than any other Nerazzurri player. He also completed two dribbles and made one key pass.
With his technique, movement and drive, Diamanti looks set to prove a vital player in Atalanta's push to avoid a relegation dogfight.
Loser: Riccardo Montolivo (Milan)
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After the match, Sinisa Mihajlovic vented his frustration at another three points dropped. The Rossoneri boss told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia): “This side lacks determination and character. We cannot keep losing every 50-50 ball. Now we have to look behind us at those chasing and try to end the season by winning the Coppa Italia."
Captain Riccardo Montolivo, whose passing—normally so reliable—simply wasn't up to the required standard was at the centre of this indifferent team performance.
When Milan needed control and vision, their leader on the pitch was unable to provide it. More is needed from the skipper if the club are to achieve their targets this season.
Winner: Mauricio Pinilla (Atalanta)
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Mauricio Pinilla has a habit for scoring exquisite goals, something he continued on Sunday afternoon.
The Chilean striker latched onto a Masiello header and, in a remarkable moment of athleticism, fired beyond Donnarumma with an exceptional overhead kick.
Along with the goal, his direct running, hold-up play and all-round work rate stood out. For this he was quite rightly awarded WhoScored's man of the match award.
Loser: Cristian Zapata (Milan)
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In the absence of Alex, Cristian Zapata started alongside Alessio Romagnoli at centre-back for Milan but failed to make a case for more regular inclusion.
The Colombian began the match by arguing with Gomez and continued to struggle with his opposite man's pace and skill throughout. Eventually he crowned an unsettled display with a yellow card which was to be expected considering he made more fouls (3) than anyone else in the Milan team, per WhoScored.
With his contract up at the end of this season, Zapata failed to justify an extension with this showing.
Winner: Mario Balotelli (Milan)
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Perhaps Milan's sole bright light on a disappointing day was substitute Mario Balotelli's performance.
The 25-year-old came on in the 58th minute, but despite playing less than most of his teammates, he made three key passes. According to WhoScored, this was more than any other Rossoneri player.
With Milan lacking creativity against Atalanta and in other recent games, Balotelli hinted he may have what it takes to solve this problem.
