Former coach Fabio Capello examined the tense 1-1 draw between Milan and Atalanta, explaining why he was impressed with the Rossoneri’s work.
Stefano Pioli’s side came into the match hungry for victory following their back-to-back defeats to Monza and Stade Rennais, and they got off to a strong start at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, taking the lead after three minutes through star forward Rafael Leao.
Milan were not able to defend their lead to half time, with Teun Koopmeiners finding the equaliser in the 42nd minute through a penalty. The Rossoneri couldn’t respond in the second half and were forced to share a point with Atalanta, leaving them four points behind second place Juventus.
Writing for Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello analysed the clash between Milan and Atalanta, explaining why he was impressed by the work of Pioli’s squad.
“I was very curious to understand which Milan would face Atalanta, one of the fittest teams in the league, after the defeats against Monza and Rennes. And for this reason, I went to San Siro to see it with my own eyes.
“Well, they were a good Milan. They created a lot and conceded little, they played better than their opponent, maintaining a very high level of attention for the entire 90 minutes, seeking verticality and depth without getting lost in ‘games’ as sometimes happens.
“There’s no point in beating around the bush, the 1-1 is a tight draw for the Rossoneri and I’m sure there will be some regret for only taking home one point. If I were Stefano Pioli, however, I would still be happy with the performance.
“Milan won all their duels, in a match played by both teams often man against man. Doing it against Atalanta, who make running and physicality their strengths, is never obvious or boring. And then there’s Leao.
“With all due respect to the others on the pitch, the Portuguese deserves a separate chapter. He scored an extraordinary goal, but it would be simplistic to stop at that feat. Leao makes the difference with every touch of the ball.
“He skips his man, provides assists, forces the opposing team to double the lead, thus freeing up space for his teammates. On an evening with such a dominant Rafa, not winning is truly a shame.
“Also, because at midday Juventus, with a decidedly less convincing performance, had pulled ahead in the fight for second place. Football is like this, we know that.”
Milan’s next match is against Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio on March 1st at 19.45 UK time.