Milan are in confident mood after bringing all three points from Renato Dall’Ara, so the Rossoneri will fancy their chances against Atalanta. The Orobici have yet to break even, having taken just one point following the two-point penalty, but they will, nonetheless, try to at least avoid defeat at San Siro.

Pazzini already paying off

This season was always going to be very difficult for Milan after they saw a number of experienced players leave the club in the summer, and the home defeat to Sampdoria in the season opener did nothing to dispel the doubts. The Rossoneri, nevertheless, showed a lot of improvement to beat very good Bologna side at their Renato Dall’Ara, restoring some of the lost confidence in the process. The team now need to continue the good run of results in order to remain within a touching distance of the leading pack, but the match against Atalanta could prove to be much more difficult than many people expect. With Boateng back to the side and Giampaolo Pazzini finding his scoring boots, Max Allegri’s side are expected to score a couple on Saturday evening, but the defensive partnership of Acerbi and Bonera cannot be expected to keep a clean sheet, especially with attack-minded Abate and Antonini on the flanks.

Kevin-Prince Boateng should start despite injuring his hand in Bologna, but Muntari, Pato, Robinho, Montolivo, Strasser and Didac Vila remain sidelined.

Difficult times for Atalanta

Having recovered from a six-point penalty to finish the previous league campaign in 12th place, Atalanta chiefs probably didn’t lose a lot of sleep over the new two-point deduction. In all fairness, the team have yet to climb out of the relegation zone, but they are expected to come good any time now. The club chiefs had no choice but to cash in on star forward Manolo Gabbiadini, but other key players all remained, while Davide Biondini, James Troisi and Facundo Parra arrived among other to increase competition for places. The Orobici didn’t have such a good start to the new campaign, having lost at home to Lazio in their opening game, but the 1-1 away draw with Cagliari hinted the team were returning to the right track. Atalanta now arrive at San Siro looking to bring at least one point to Bergamo, and while they are likely to adopt a defence-minded approach, there are no doubts Maxi Moralez and German Denis will be a big threat on the break.

Federico Peluso and Andrea Masiello are suspended, while Ivan Radovanovic, Ezequiel Schelotto, Daniele Capelli and Guido Marilungo are all out injured.

Verdict

Milan have finally found their scoring touch and that should prove enough for the win against severely weakened Atalanta, but the hosts certainly cannot be trusted to keep a clean sheet in the process. Therefore, I see a great value in backing both teams to score.

Our prediction: Both teams to score

Odds: 2.10 (11/10)

Bookmaker: Ladbrokes