Yunus Musah continued his return from injury with a decent shift in midfield, but Milan's Coppa Italia hopes came crashing down in a loss to Atalanta.
WHAT HAPPENED?
After a fairly tepid start, the game ignited in first-half stoppage time as the two sides exchanged goals. Milan's came in the 45th minute through Rafael Leao, who took advantage of a bombing run forward from Theo Hernandez to seize the lead for the hosts.
The advantage, though, lasted just two minutes before Atalanta found their response. Teun Koopmeiners capped a fantastic move from the visitors in the second minute of stoppage time, leaving both teams level heading into the locker room.
Koopmeiners would strike again to break the deadlock in the second 45, scoring from the spot in the 59th minute. It was a lead they'd never relinquish, even with Milan making a late push at San Siro. There was still time for Milan's Angelo Mirante to be sent off in added time for dissent as Atalanta ultimately held strong, booking their spot in the Coppa Italia semifinals.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
With the loss, Milan's hopes of winning the trophy were dashed as they fell at the quarterfinal hurdle. This comes after they failed to advance from the Champions League 'group of death', finishing third and falling into the Europa League playoff round.
Milan remain very much alive in Serie A, though, but they'll need a strong second half of the season if they are to claim the title with Inter and Juventus setting the pace at the top.
As for Atalanta, they book a spot in the semifinal round, where they'll face Fiorentina. Lazio awaits in the other semifinal, with Juventus and Frosinone battling on Thursday for the right to be the fourth and final team to advance.
USMNT IMPACT
With the start, Musah was named to Milan's starting XI for the first time since early December, having recently dealt with a muscle problem that kept him out of action for most of the holiday season. He returned for a cameo in this past weekend's 3-0 win over Empoli before putting in a decent shift in the Milan midfield in this return to the lineup.
Musah had a few chances, particularly one early, but was unable to put any of his three shots into the back of the net.
Pulisic, meanwhile, had one good look late on, but his 70th-minute effort was saved before a shot moments later was blocked and cleared away. Of the two, it was Musah who stood out, which can be seen as a positive sign as he looks to battle back into the Milan XI after recovering from his injury issues. However, his lack of precision in front of goal was an obvious negative as Musah had a few chances to make a difference but failed to take them.
Tactically, Pulisic tucked in for large stretches of the game with Musah drifting out wide, playing off Stefano Pioli's recent comments that Pulisic could play as more of a trequartista.
GOAL'S RATINGS
Christian Pulisic (5/10):
Never quite got going. Created a few decent chances late on and made things happen off the dribble, but Milan needed a bit more from him here.
Yunus Musah (6/10):
Not quite crisp, but you can't fault the effort. Created a few chances, passed the ball well and had a few good moments defensively. Not a perfect performance, but a good start for a player just returning to the field.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Currently third in Serie A through the first half of the season, Milan's focus will have to quickly turn back toward league play as they play host to Roma on Sunday, looking to keep pace with Juventus and league-leaders Inter at the summit of the Italian top flight.
Man Utd eyeing Chelsea's Jackson in bid to solve striker woesManchester United are weighing up a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in a bid to address their misfiring forward line.Ex-Arsenal captain Xhaka offered stunning Premier League returnGranit Xhaka has been offered a return to the Premier League by recently promoted Sunderland, who are interested in the former Arsenal captain.Newcast...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. What should Man Utd do with these guys? Who do you think will win the Ballon d'Or this year? If Liverpool really does this season Not all football players keep their physical condition after retiring ENGLAND KNOCK SWEDEN OUT OF EURO 2025 ON PENALTIES Barcelona in 2009 won all 6 available trophies! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be m...
Barcelona continue talks with United over Rashford loanDiscussions are ongoing between Barcelona and Manchester United as the Catalan giants pursue a deal for forward Marcus Rashford, according to Nicolo Schira. Barca are proposing a loan agreement that would include a conditional obligation to make the move permanent, aiming to work around their current financial constraints. The Red Devils, howe...
Jadon Sancho's transfer at Manchester United may go down as one of the most underwhelming ever.He arrived in 2021 for £73 million, making him Manchester United's fifth-most expensive signing ever, fresh off the back of a brace in the DFB-Pokal final, and was widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the world.But we have never seen the best of Sancho in England as struggles with disciplin...
Manchester United have reportedly submitted a third transfer bid for Bryan Mbeumo which meets Brentford's valuation. The move looked to be under threat when Newcastle United turned their attention to Mbeumo's Brentford team-mate, Yoane Wissa, on Thursday.The Bees are only willing to lose one of their formidable attacking duo this summer, so if Newcastle tied up a quick deal for Wissa, Mbeumo would...
Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike has reportedly submitted a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt in a bid to seal his move to Anfield.The Frenchman has become Liverpool's prime target this summer, with the Premier League champions seemingly moving on from Newcastle's star Alexander Isak, who could have set them back by more than £125million had the Magpies been willing to part with their Swed...
Modric explains AC Milan choice: This club cannot accept mediocrityLuka Modric has explained his decision to sign with AC Milan.The Real Madrid great spoke to Milan's media channels this morning for the first time since completing his transfer.Modric said: 0"I wanted to stay in Europe to continue playing competitive football. I had other offers, but when AC Milan called me, it was clear to me. I w...
Man Utd make late attempt to trump Roma for Palmeiras starManchester United are threatening AS Roma plans for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios.The Brazil international is subject of major interest from the Giallorossi - and is said to be keen on moving to Rome.TMW says last night, Roma chief Ricky Massara informed Palmeiras they plan to meet their €30m demands.Roma are ready to make an easi...
Napoli Set to Beat Man United to Potential €21m Andre Onana replacementNapoli are on the verge of signing Vanja Milinkovic-Savic for €21 million with the Torino 'keeper touted as a potential replacement for Andre Onana at Man United.Man United are understood to be weighing up whether they should sign a replacement for Onana, 29, following a string of high-profile mistakes between the s...
Former Man United Boss Erik ten Hag Addresses Potential Antony Reunion at Bayer LeverkusenFormer Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has broken his silence on the possibility of reuniting with Antony at Bayer Leverkusen.The 25-year-old is widely expected to leave Man United this summer despite an impressive second half of the season on loan with Real Betis.United are in desperate need of raisin...
- 1 Brooklyn Beckham's ex inspires Palmer as Chelsea crush PSG
- 2 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 3 Model skips Lamine Yamal's party over 'weird demands'
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Jude Bellingham finally undergoes surgery on recurrent dislocated shoulder injury as Real Madrid confirm successful procedure for England star ahead of long layoff
- 6 Noni Madueke parties at Wireless with Jadon Sancho
- 7 Chelsea's wage offer to Jadon Sancho revealed
- 8 Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashing
- 9 Chelsea star’s stunning model Wag captured 'best UFO footage ever'
- 10 Javier Tebas offers reason behind Barcelona's failed Nico Williams pursuit