Milan drew 1-1 away at Atalanta, Modric was tightly marked.
Ricci volleyed in the 4th minute, Lookman equalized in the 35th minute; Atalanta pressed to neutralize Modric, Milan drew their second consecutive match and Napoli extended their lead to 3 points in Serie A.
AC Milan left Atalanta with one point after a high-intensity 1-1 draw, where Luka Modric was neutralized for the entire 90 minutes. Samuele Ricci opened the scoring early in the 4th minute, but Ademola Lookman equalized in the 35th minute. With their second consecutive draw, Milan are now three points behind Napoli after matchday 9 of the 2025/26 Serie A season.
The crucial moment
Right from the opening corner kick, an Atalanta defender cleared the ball to the edge of the penalty area, and Samuele Ricci pounced on a one-touch volley, the ball traveling low and dangerously, giving Milan a 1-0 lead in the 4th minute. The goal didn't slow Atalanta down. The home team increased their pace, intensified their attack, and pressed high up the pitch right in front of the opponent's penalty box.
In the 35th minute, a series of passing combinations along the edge of the penalty area by Atalanta created an opening: Mario Pašalić crossed the ball for Ademola Lookman to cut in and fire a powerful shot from a tight angle, beating Mike Maignan to equalize 1-1.
Main developments
Atalanta entered Round 9 as one of only two teams remaining unbeaten in the top five European leagues (along with Bayern Munich) and having just completed a run of four consecutive draws in Serie A. At home, they displayed their true style: high intensity, high-pressure pressing, and putting strong pressure on Milan's midfield.
In the 20th minute, Ederson fired a left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area, forcing Maignan to make a diving save. Earlier, Marten de Roon had been injured, making way for Marco Brescianini, but Atalanta's pressing structure remained unchanged, continuing to disrupt the visitors' midfield.
Coach Max Allegri built his game around Luka Modric, while also seeking the first Serie A goal for Santi Giménez, who played in an advanced position alongside Rafael Leão. However, with Modric neutralized, Milan gradually lost control and accuracy in their attacking moves in the early part of the second half.
Dissatisfied with the game's progress, Allegri substituted Leão for Christopher Nkunku, but the balance remained unchanged: Atalanta continued to dominate, while Milan repeatedly lost their rhythm in midfield. Modric ended the match with a yellow card amidst tight marking.
Tactical analysis: pressing and neutralizing Modric.
Atalanta stifled Milan's midfield by pushing their defensive block high up the pitch, employing high-pressure pressing as soon as Milan built up play in their own third. The key was to restrict Modric's movement: pressing players focused on the central axis, blocking one-two passes to Ricci and the attacking line. When Modric couldn't maneuver, Milan lost their rhythm, and their attempts to break the press became slow and inaccurate.
Conversely, Atalanta's build-up play before the equalizer showed a systematic approach: stretching horizontally before penetrating the spaces right in front of the Milan defense, creating opportunities for Pašalić to provide an assist and Lookman to finish decisively from a tight angle.
Selective statistics
- Score: Atalanta 1-1 Milan
- Goals: Lookman 35' – Ricci 4'
- Milan drew their second consecutive match in Serie A.
- Prior to round 9, Atalanta had a run of four consecutive draws in Serie A.
- Napoli – Milan gap: 3 points after round 9
Goal scorers' table
| Minute | Team | Player | Describe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4' | Milan | Samuel Ricci | One-touch volley after the ball rebounds from a corner kick. |
| 35' | Atalanta | Ademola Lookman | Pašalić provided the assist and finished from a tight angle. |
Impact on the race
The draw helped Atalanta maintain their unbeaten run and continue to be a model of intensity in Serie A. For Milan, one point away from home against a strong opponent is acceptable in terms of the result, but their good start followed by losing their rhythm under pressure shows they still rely heavily on Modric's ability to control the game.
After round 9, Napoli extended their lead to 3 points. In round 10, Max Allegri's team will return to San Siro to host AS Roma – currently second in Serie A. This will be another test of Milan's ability to control the midfield and solve their pressing problems.
Score a goal
Atalanta: Lookman 35'. Milan: Ricci 4'.
