TEAM NEWS
AC MILAN
unbeaten AC Milan in Serie A since the restart on when they got another eye-catching success against Sassuolo at the weekend, although they were given a helping hand when they play the entirety of the second half against 10 men.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring in the opening 20 minutes but Sassuolo able to level from the point with the game approaching half-time before Ibrahimovic struck again on the stroke of the break.
Sassuolo reduced to 10 after the goal and although Milan could not add to their lead they held to extend their unbeaten run to nine league games, but they may still be without Samu Castillejo and Leo Duarte for this clash.
ATALANTA
Atalanta respond to their disappointing draw with Hellas Verona for their victory over Bologna but it was not easy for them because they were frustrated in front of goal for the second game in a row.
After managing just one goal in their game at Verona, Atalanta unable to break the deadlock in the first half against Bologna but Luis Muriel effort proved to be the difference between the two teams.
Atalanta are now unbeaten in their last 17 matches in all competitions, including their last 15 Serie A but in their efforts to extend that remarkable run, they will be without Hans Hateboer for this contest because he was suspended.
HEAD TO HEAD
It is a fixture which in recent times has been struggling with all the intensity of the battle between the two sides occupy the same area.
During the last 26 Serie A matches, dating back to 2006, Milan has won 10 with the Nerazzurri have won nine, with six draws.
Atalanta last time win against Milan at San Siro back in the 2017-18 season when they ran out 2-0 winners, while the Rossoneri have not won at home against La Dea in six years.
The two sides have met this season in a game that most fans of Milan would rather forget, although it is interesting how things come full circle.
Back in November, the Diavolo beat Atalanta 5-0 in Bergamo through goals from Papu Gomez, Pasalic, Ilicic (x2) and Luis Muriel.
There was a call for Pioli to be fired after the game and it is widely reported that the defeat was the catalyst to start talks with Ralf Rangnick, but in recent days has been confirmed Germany will arrive and Pioli will continue into next season.
Prediction
AC Milan and Atalanta continued their good form with a win against Sassuolo and Bologna earlier this week.
Milan's win over Sassuolo comes at a cost, however, as some players get injured. Missing regular back four is not ideal against the free-scoring side Atalanta.
Gasperini side far the best attack in Serie A and are on course to reach 100 goals in the league this season.
Prediction: AC Milan 3 Atalanta 1
