Preview

MILAN SET FOR MIDWEEK CLASH

Chris Lewis

27 Oct 2025 — 3 min read

Milan are presented with a swift opportunity to get back on track on Tuesday night, when the Rossoneri make the short trip to Atalanta for Round 9 of Serie A.

Match Details

Fixture: Atalanta vs AC Milan
Date: Tuesday 28 October 2025
Kick-off: 20:45 local time at New Balance Arena, Bergamo
Competition: Serie A (Matchday 9)

Key Context

Atalanta come into the game having not lost in the league so far this season, but their record is full of draws — they’ve converted fewer of their strong defensive performances into wins.
Milan, under boss Massimiliano Allegri, have had a positive start and are among the early pace-setters. Their away form is solid and they’ll look to use that momentum.
The head-to-head between the two is noteworthy: Atalanta have had the upper hand in recent matches which will raise a red flag for Milan.
From Milan’s perspective: this is an opportunity not just for three points but to stamp a statement — away from home, in a tricky stadium, against a team that has been hard to beat. Can they bounce back from a disappointing home draw with Pisa on Friday night?

Milan’s Objectives & Tactical Outlook

Milan will likely aim to control the midfield, use width and pace on the flanks, and exploit transitions. Atalanta’s strength is their organisation and resilience, so Milan will need to find ways to unsettle them.
Defensively, Milan must be disciplined: Atalanta will look to hit on the break or exploit space behind full-backs when Milan push forward.
Offensively, the priority will be for Milan to create high-quality chances rather than just volume, recognising Atalanta’s defensive solidity.
Given Atalanta’s tendency to draw rather than win, Milan might see this game as one where forcing a victory rather than accepting a draw is the target. Depending on the outcome of the earlier game between Lecce and Napoli, this could present another opportunity for Milan to go top of Serie A.

Team News

Atalanta

Atalanta are missing key defensive names: for example Mitchel Bakker and Giorgio Scalvini are unavailable.
They’ve struggled somewhat to turn dominance into goals — they have been strong defensively but the attacking output has not always been enough.

AC Milan

Milan have some positive news: In one preview, it’s noted that Christopher Nkunku is set to return from injury and could figure in the attack.
Another note: Ruben Loftus‑Cheek has been cleared to play and may feature (perhaps from the bench) which adds midfield options.
On the downside: Key individuals remain missing or not fully fit — including Pulisic, Rabiot and Estupinan. Ardon Jashari is set to return to training on Wednesday following a lengthy spell on the sidelines which has hindered his start to life in Milan.

Probable Line-Ups (From Recent Projections)

Atalanta (likely 3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: Marco Carnesecchi
Defence: Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, Marten de Roon
Midfield: Davide Zappacosta, Ederson José, Mario Pasalic, Lorenzo Bernasconi
Forward line: Charles De Ketelaere, Ademola Lookman, Nikola Krstović

AC Milan (likely 3-5-2)

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Defence: Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlović
Midfield: Alexis Saelemaekers, Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modrić, Samuele Ricci, Davide Bartesaghi
Attack: Santiago Giménez, Rafael Leão

Key Players & Match-Deciders for Milan

Rafael Leão: His pace and directness will be crucial — able to stretch Atalanta’s defence and create chances or exploit transitions.
Luka Modrić: In midfield, his experience and control will help Milan dictate tempo and manage phases of the game, especially against a disciplined Atalanta.
Defensive solidity: Milan must avoid revisiting past poor showings against Atalanta. The trio at the back and Maignan will need to be alert to Atalanta’s counter-threats and wing-back overloads.
Bench impact: With players like Loftus-Cheek and Nkunku coming back, Milan’s depth could be an advantage as the game evolves.

What To Watch

Tempo & transitions: Atalanta are likely to invite pressure and hit on the break. Milan must be prepared for quick switches and maintain concentration when losing the ball.
Set-pieces & wide areas: Milan’s full-backs and wide midfielders may find space; similarly, Atalanta’s dangerous moments may come from wing-backs and second waves.
Finishing efficiency: Milan will look to convert chances into goals – Atalanta’s recent trend has been to draw because they defend well but lack decisive finishing. Milan must make their chances count.
Psychological edge: Given Atalanta’s recent dominance in head-to-head, Milan will be under pressure to prove a point. This could either be a galvanising factor or a burden.

Prediction

For Milan, this is another opportunity for a statement performance and win.

Milan have the form and squad to challenge for full points.
But Atalanta’s home solidity and recent record against Milan mean it could be tight.
Realistically, a draw could be considered a likely outcome in this one. 1-1.

The game is live in the UK on TNT Sports 1.