The five key battles that could win or lose the game for Milan against Atalanta

"AC Milan will play their penultimate home match of the season against Atalanta on Sunday night, in desperate need of a win. The past couple of months has been a disaster, to put it bluntly. A run of two wins in seven games after the derby victory over Inter has seen dreams of a Scudetto turn into a scrap just to hold onto a Champions League place."

"Tonight Milan welcome an Atalanta side who are having a tough season by their standards, and the equation is clear: they next six points (at most) from their last three games to lock in a top four spot. However, given the recent run and lack of goals (one in five games), it's easier said than done."

"We start up front with what is a huge chance for Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican has had a difficult season having played injured and then going under the knife. His last start actually came in the first Serie A meeting with Atalanta, and he has gone over one year without a league goal."

"There will be an all-Italian tussle at the other end between Matteo Gabbia and Gianluca Scamacca. Since undergoing surgery to fix a hernia, Allegri has consistently relied upon the academy graduate to be the middle centre-back in the trio, and he remains one of the most consistent performers. That being said, Gabbia also struggled a bit (as the team did) against Sassuolo last week, a team that went direct and utilised their size and speed to try get in behind."

Milan play their penultimate home match against Atalanta with urgency for a win. Recent results have turned Scudetto ambitions into a fight to stay in Champions League contention. Atalanta arrive with a difficult season, and Milan’s path to top four depends on points from their next three games. The match is expected to feature tactical duels between Milan’s 3-5-2 and Atalanta’s 3-4-2-1. Santiago Gimenez faces a major opportunity but has struggled for goals after injury and surgery. Isak Hien is expected to anchor Atalanta’s defense against Gimenez. Matteo Gabbia and Gianluca Scamacca are set for a key Italian matchup in central defense.

Read at SempreMilan