Jakarta, ThedailyID — AC Milan risk dropping out of Serie A’s top four after suffering a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Atalanta BC at San Siro on Monday.
The loss dealt a major blow to Milan’s hopes of securing a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Atalanta secured victory through goals from Ederson, Davide Zappacosta, and Giacomo Raspadori. Milan responded late through Strahinja Pavlovic and Christopher Nkunku, but the comeback fell short.
Milan remain fourth in the Serie A standings with 67 points. However, the club only stays ahead of AS Roma through head-to-head advantage. The race for Champions League qualification has become increasingly tight with only two matches left this season.
Meanwhile, Atalanta climbed closer to the European qualification race after reaching 58 points in seventh place.
The visitors started strongly and opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Ederson converted a rebound after Raspadori’s initial effort created danger inside the penalty area.
Atalanta doubled their lead in the 30th minute. Nikola Krstovic delivered a pass to Zappacosta, who fired a low shot past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Milan’s situation worsened shortly after halftime. Raspadori made it 3-0 in the 51st minute after capitalizing on a midfield mistake from Rafael Leao.
The heavy deficit frustrated many Milan supporters, with some fans leaving the stadium before the match ended.
However, Milan pushed back late in the game. Pavlovic scored with a header in the 88th minute before Nkunku converted a penalty during injury time after Marten de Roon fouled him inside the box.
Despite the late pressure, Milan could not find an equalizer. The defeat also extended the Rossoneri’s winless streak to three matches.
Coach Stefano Pioli now faces increasing pressure as Milan fight to hold onto their Champions League position in the final weeks of the season.
