Atalanta tightened their grip on a top-four Serie A finish with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro on Sunday, thanks to a well-taken second-half goal from Ederson. The result dealt a major blow to Milan’s already slim hopes of securing a Champions League spot.
Ederson’s 62nd-minute diving header was enough to secure all three points for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, who now sit third in the table with 64 points — four clear of Bologna following their surprise win over league leaders Inter Milan earlier in the day. Milan, meanwhile, remain stuck in ninth place on 51 points, with their European ambitions hanging by a thread.
The first half was cagey, with Atalanta enjoying more of the ball but neither side managing to create many clear-cut chances. Milan’s best moment came just before the break when Luka Jović turned sharply in the box but fired narrowly wide.
After halftime, Milan showed more urgency and pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. However, they were undone by a moment of precision from Atalanta. Ademola Lookman swung in a dangerous cross from the left, which Raoul Bellanova cleverly nodded back across goal for Ederson to finish with a diving header past a helpless Mike Maignan.
The goal seemed to knock the wind out of Milan’s sails. Atalanta, growing in confidence, looked more likely to extend their lead. Lookman remained a constant threat, forcing a block from Youssouf Fofana and seeing another effort deflected wide for a corner.
Lookman nearly turned provider again, delivering a low cross that Mateo Retegui somehow failed to convert from close range under pressure from defender Strahinja Pavlović.
Milan substitute João Félix tried to spark a response, driving into the Atalanta half with purpose, only to completely mishit his shot. Moments later, Lookman nearly capped off a brilliant solo run from deep with a second goal, but Maignan stood firm to deny him.
As the final whistle blew, Atalanta’s traveling supporters erupted in celebration, while frustration and anger poured from the Milan faithful, who continued to protest against the club’s leadership throughout the match.
It was a night that underlined Atalanta’s growing momentum — and left Milan’s season on the brink.