Atalanta – Milan

Milan will continue their winning ways

Last season's scudetto winners have made a good start to the new season. In the first match, Milan beat Udinese 4-2 with confidence and without too many problems (apart from two conceded goals). Theo Hernandez, Davide Calabria, Brahim Dias (rated 7.5 by La Gazzetta dello Sport) and Ante Rebic were excellent. De Quettelare, a substitute, blended in superbly. "The Rossoneri played without the injured Sandro Tonali, but one of their most important centre-backs will be available for the game. The club continue to try and sign Midtjylland midfielder Rafael Onyedika and Chelsea player Hakim Ziyesh. Stefano Pioli has staffed the team quite well. A few positions remain problematic but overall Milan should be able to fight for the top three. And here's who can repeat last season's result, it's Atalanta. Although they beat Sampdoria, Bergamaschi left a very unpleasant aftertaste. The Genoese were very controversially cancelled out early in the game, and Quagliarella, who came on in the second half, was very accurate in hitting the frame of the goal (as was Musso earlier). The Bergamaschi looked rather heavy and laden and were unlikely to be favoured to win by two goals. There are increasing rumours that Ruslan Malinovskyi will leave the club. The fact that the Ukrainian was left in reserve for the last match indirectly confirms it. With all the losses and the lack of a new lease of life at the club (and the players are obviously not getting any younger), Atalanta will find it extremely difficult this season. It's worth mentioning that Milan have beaten the Goddess for three games. Last season, the game ended 2-0 at the San Siro and 2-3 in Bergamo. If there was a team that let up in quality since then, it would have to be Atalanta. Gian Paolo Gasperini's side will have a tough time of it in this competition. They're unlikely to win against the reigning champions and there's a good chance that they won't be able to clinch a points division either.