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Atalanta 1-1 Milan | Player Ratings – Pasalic shines as Ricci settles in for Allegri

Atalanta held Milan to a closely-fought 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening, with Croatian attacking midfielder Mario Pasalic Football Italia’s Man of the Match.

Atalanta 1-1 Milan – Player Ratings

Atalanta: Carnesecchi 6; Kossounou 6, Hien 6.5, Ahanor 5.5 (Djimsiti 6), Zappacosta 6; Ederson 6, De Roon 6 (Bresciani 6); Bernasconi 6.5 (Bellanova 6), Pasalic 7.5 (Musah N/A), Lookman 7, De Ketelaere 6 (Samardzic N/A)

Best Atalanta player: Pasalic – The Croatian playmaker had a ball out there tonight, creating plenty of chances for his side, including the assist for Lookman’s equaliser, and being a constant menace for the Rossoneri defence to deal with. His passing was near-perfect and today the 30-year-old outshone his compatriot Luka Modric.

Lowest Atalanta rating: Ahanor – Fairly poor performance from the teenager tonight, although feels harsh to judge him too much as he is a young player with an important role in this Atalanta side. However, He did not look as solid as his defensive teammates and was eventually substituted off with twenty minutes to play.

BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 28: Atalanta BC coach Ivan Juric looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Atalanta BC coach Ivan Juric looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Coach: Ivan Juric 7 – Subs had a good impact on the game and he set up his side in such a way to make life very difficult for Allegri’s Milan. The Rossoneri have only lost once so far this season and it could have so nearly been two, with La Dea the more dominant side this evening. Juric needs to find a way to turn these close draws into victories moving forward.

Milan: Maignan 6; Tomori 5.5, Gabbia 6, Pavlovic 6.5; Saelemaekers 5, Fofana 6, Modric 6, Ricci 7, Bartesaghi 6; Leao 5.5 (Nkunku 6), Gimenez 5 (Loftus-Cheek 6.5)

Best Milan player: Ricci – After spending his first months in Milan hardly touching the pitch, with the Rossoneri preferring Modric, Fofana and Rabiot as a midfield three, Ricci is now settling in. He picked up an assist in his last match and a goal against Atalanta today was his first in Rossoneri colours.

BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 28: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Lowest Milan rating: Gimenez – A yellow card and an injury marred an already flat performance from the Mexican forward. Needs to sort himself out at Milan before the Rossoneri sign a replacement.

Coach: Allegri 6 – Another evening of making the right decisions on paper but his squad letting him down. Made just the essential substitutions and seems to be sorely lacking in any sort of back-up plan for when his side are struggling.

Relive all the action as it happened in today’s Serie A matches on our Live Blog.

Serie A | Atalanta 1-1 Milan: Lookman is back, but another draw

AC Milan dropped points again, as Atalanta earned their fifth consecutive Serie A stalemate with the first Ademola Lookman goal since his summer drama cancelling out a Samuele Ricci strike.

La Dea were the only unbeaten side in Serie A, but with just two victories, including four consecutive stalemates. Giorgio Scalvini and Mitchel Bakker were still out of action, but they opted for Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere supported by Mario Pasalic. The Rossoneri were reeling after losing top spot with a 2-2 draw against Pisa, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek returned to the bench, with Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari injured.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 28: Rafael Leao of AC Milan competes for the ball with Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Rafael Leao of AC Milan competes for the ball with Odilon Kossounou of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan took an early lead, as Honest Ahanor cleared a corner to the edge of the area where Samuele Ricci let it bounce and hit the half-volley into the ground, a deflection off Ederson completely wrong-footing Marco Carnesecchi.

Isak Hien nodded a corner just wide, but Atalanta lost captain Marten de Roon to a muscular problem, replaced by ex-Milan midfielder Marco Brescianini.

BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 28: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Samuele Ricci of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Ederson tested Mike Maignan from the edge of the box, while Ahanor nodded a Charles De Ketelaere cross wide at the back post, but Ahanor missed a sitter when his first touch was heavy and at full stretch he prodded over the bar from nine yards.

Atalanta did get back on level terms with the first goal Lookman has scored since his summer transfer rebellion. He ran onto the Mario Pasalic through ball and took a touch before smashing the unstoppable left-foot finish into the roof of the net from a tricky angle.

Christopher Nkunku replaced a quiet Rafael Leao for the restart, with Lookman and Bernasconi seeing attempts charged down, while Santiago Gimenez went off with an ankle knock.

Alexis Saelemaekers found himself in an ideal position after combining with Youssouf Fofana, but instead of going for goal, he tried to set up Nkunku and it fell apart.

BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 28: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan competes for the ball with Isak Hien of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan competes for the ball with Isak Hien of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at New Balance Arena on October 28, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Odilon Kossounou showed impressive calm to chest a Loftus-Cheek header back to Carnesecchi, anticipating Nkunku from a couple of yards in front of goal.

Bernasconi also threw himself in the path of a Saelemaekers volley after the Luka Modric corner was punched away, then Fofana scuffed a volley wide on the Bartesaghi knockdown at the back post.

Atalanta thought they had taken the lead on 85 minutes when Davide Zappacosta shrugged off a challenge and launched a curler from distance that Maignan flew to fingertip over the bar with one hand. On the resulting corner, Zappacosta also drilled wide of the near post.

Matteo Gabbia made a decisive block on former teammate Yunus Musah at the near post on a Berat Djimsiti assist.

Atalanta 1-1 Milan

Ricci 4 (M), Lookman 36 (A)

Player statistic

1st half
    4' Samuele Ricci
    9' Santiago Giménez
Ademola Lookman
(Assist: Mario Pasalic)
Goal 35'    
2nd half
    77' Luka Modric
Marco Brescianini 90+3'    
    90+3' Yellow card Matteo Gabbia
Atalanta
Milan

Starting lineups

29
Goalkeeper
77
82'
69
Defender
72'
4
Defender
47
71'
3
Defender
13
Midfielder
8
Midfielder
82'
15
Midfielder
20'
11
Attacker
17
16
Goalkeeper
33
23
Defender
46
Defender
31
56
Midfielder
90'
14
Midfielder
4
Midfielder
19
Midfielder
10
Attacker
46'
7
62'

Substitutes

59
Midfielder
70
Midfielder
31
Goalkeeper
57
Goalkeeper
9
90
Attacker
23
Defender
7
Midfielder
Defender
44
Midfielder
20'
16
Defender
71'
19
Defender
72'
10
Midfielder
82'
6
Midfielder
82'
1
Goalkeeper
5
Defender
37
Goalkeeper
27
Defender
18
46'
8
Midfielder
62'
24
Defender
90'

Video: Lookman marks Atalanta rebirth with powerful goal

Watch as Ademola Lookman scores his first goal since the summer transfer chaos with Atalanta, blasting a ferocious strike into the roof of the AC Milan net.

The Nigeria international and African Player of the Year had tried to force through an exit to Inter, even going AWOL from training for several weeks, but eventually had to return and accept the situation.

It took a while for him to get back into the squad and find his form, but this evening he reminded people what he can do with a fantastic goal to surprise Mike Maignan.

BERGAMO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 30: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Atalanta BC and Club Brugge KV at Stadio di Bergamo on September 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Atalanta BC and Club Brugge KV at Stadio di Bergamo on September 30, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

He ran onto the Mario Pasalic assist, took a touch and then smashed the left-foot finish into the roof of the net from a tricky angle.

See how the game unfolds on the Liveblog.

Lookman had not found the back of the net in an Atalanta jersey since May 12 during a 2-1 Serie A win against Roma in Bergamo.

This allowed Atalanta to equalise after Samuele Ricci had given Milan the lead with an effort deflected off Ederson.

Lookman goal marks new Atalanta era

There’s no stopping that 💥

Ademola Lookman opens his account for the season with a thunderous strike 👏

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/deye49zHA4

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 28, 2025

Ademola Lookman that is some strike 😮‍💨

The Atalanta man scores his first goal of the Serie A season pic.twitter.com/9a5J9C9OXV

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 28, 2025

Atalanta keep out of Juric row with Carnesecchi: ‘Start of a new era’

Atalanta director Luca Percassi will not be drawn on the row between coach Ivan Juric and goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, as they prepare to face AC Milan. ‘This is the start of a new era.’

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lecce-Napoli on the Liveblog.

La Dea are the only side in Serie A still to taste defeat so far this season, but it has not necessarily translated into success, because they managed just two victories in eight rounds.

That includes a run of four consecutive stalemates, having wasted numerous scoring opportunities.

Atalanta try to smooth over tension

CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

There was tension when coach Juric reacted angrily to goalkeeper Carnesecchi commenting that Atalanta would ‘get nowhere’ with their current form, so how does the club mediate?

“I am very fond of both, so I’ll just limit myself to saying we need to keep working one day at a time,” Percassi told DAZN Italia.

“This is the start of a new era, it takes patience and belief to get stronger every day, then we’ll see where we end up, but we’re not even halfway through the season yet.”

Some time to adapt is inevitable after nine years under the guidance of coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who left for a new challenge with Roma.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 17: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta BC makes a save whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta BC at Parc des Princes on September 17, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 17: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta BC makes a save whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atalanta BC at Parc des Princes on September 17, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Atalanta have created numerous scoring opportunities during these eight rounds so far, but struggled to finish them off with goals.

“Considering the chances that we created, I think we deserved more points, but I couldn’t say how many,” added Percassi.

“We will keep working and the team will be able to express itself better with time. Tonight is a big game against a very strong Milan side who have a great coach in Max Allegri. It’s going to be an exciting match.”

Tare: ‘AC Milan had not planned for six injuries, Gimenez needs to relax’

AC Milan director of sport Igli Tare warns they ‘had not planned’ for six simultaneous injuries, but reassures Santiago Gimenez during his goal drought ahead of tonight’s trip to Atalanta.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lecce-Napoli on the Liveblog.

The Rossoneri fumbled the leadership of Serie A with a disappointing 2-2 home draw against newly-promoted Pisa on Friday, a result they snatched thanks to a last-gasp equaliser.

Tare and AC Milan not losing faith

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 19: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We started this new project with great enthusiasm, the fans are behind us and we are going through a positive spell, so must try to find some consistency in this moment,” Tare told DAZN Italia.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns to the bench, but Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari are still out of action.

With the squad stretched thin, but no European competition to worry about, are Milan planning on investing in the January transfer window?

“We had not planned for six players to get injured during the break for international duty, that doesn’t happen every day,” replied the director of sport.

“When these moments happen, we must be aware that we have a strong squad, which the lads proved on the field. We’ve got to keep going until the start of December, then evaluate with the coach for the future.”

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates with team mates Davide Bartesaghi and Samuele Ricci after scoring to give the side a 1-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan celebrates with team mates Davide Bartesaghi and Samuele Ricci after scoring to give the side a 1-0 lead during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Santiago Gimenez starts this evening, but he had been on the market in the summer with links to Roma and has been going through a lengthy goal drought.

“He needs to relax, this is part of the journey for all strikers. I know full well, I played in the same role,” said the former Lazio centre-forward.

“Everyone has faith in him, the club, the coach, but above all his teammates, and tonight is an opportunity to prove himself a great striker.

“Gimenez has always scored lots of goals in his career, so this is just a bad spell, but at the same time he works so hard for the team and this is why the coach keeps faith in him.”

Serie A official line-ups: Atalanta vs. AC Milan

Rafael Leao, Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez start for Milan, who try to end Atalanta’s unbeaten record with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lecce-Napoli on the Liveblog.

BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC shoots whilst under pressure from David Moses of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio di Bergamo on October 22, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC shoots whilst under pressure from David Moses of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio di Bergamo on October 22, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Rossoneri had been on top of the Serie A table until their surprising 2-2 draw with Pisa at San Siro.

Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan and Ardon Jashari are still out of action.

Leao is partnered by Gimenez rather than Christopher Nkunku, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back on the bench after shaking off a muscular problem.

Fikayo Tomori returns to the defence after being dropped in favour of Koni De Winter.

BERGAMO, ITALY - AUGUST 24: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta runs with the ball during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pisa SC at Gewiss Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta runs with the ball during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pisa SC at Gewiss Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Atalanta are the only Serie A side to remain unbeaten so far this season, but that doesn’t translate to a successful run, because only two of those were victories and they’ve drawn four on the bounce.

With Nikola Krstovic and Gianluca Scamacca struggling for goals, coach Ivan Juric opts for De Ketelaere and Lookman together supported by Mario Pasalic.

These are familiar faces, as both De Ketelaere and Pasalic are former Milan players, so are Yunus Musah and Daniel Maldini on the bench.

Giorgio Scalvini and Mitchel Bakker are the only remaining absentees.

Atalanta-Milan official line-ups

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Ahanor; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Lookman

Milan: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Gimenez, Leao

Player statistic

1st half
    4' Samuele Ricci
    9' Santiago Giménez
Ademola Lookman
(Assist: Mario Pasalic)
Goal 35'    
2nd half
    77' Luka Modric
Marco Brescianini 90+3'    
    90+3' Yellow card Matteo Gabbia
Atalanta
Milan

Starting lineups

29
Goalkeeper
77
82'
69
Defender
72'
4
Defender
47
71'
3
Defender
13
Midfielder
8
Midfielder
82'
15
Midfielder
20'
11
Attacker
17
16
Goalkeeper
33
23
Defender
46
Defender
31
56
Midfielder
90'
14
Midfielder
4
Midfielder
19
Midfielder
10
Attacker
46'
7
62'

Substitutes

59
Midfielder
70
Midfielder
31
Goalkeeper
57
Goalkeeper
9
90
Attacker
23
Defender
7
Midfielder
Defender
44
Midfielder
20'
16
Defender
71'
19
Defender
72'
10
Midfielder
82'
6
Midfielder
82'
1
Goalkeeper
5
Defender
37
Goalkeeper
27
Defender
18
46'
8
Midfielder
62'
24
Defender
90'

Serie A: Atalanta vs. Milan – probable line-ups and where to watch on TV

Santiago Gimenez will partner with Rafael Leao in Milan’s away game at Atalanta this evening, while Ivan Juric will look to Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman.

It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT) at the New Balance Stadium in Bergamo.

BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC shoots whilst under pressure from David Moses of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio di Bergamo on October 22, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC shoots whilst under pressure from David Moses of Slavia Praha during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio di Bergamo on October 22, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

It’s a mid-week Serie A round, and the game will kick off after Lecce-Napoli.

Atalanta are the only unbeaten team in Serie A this season, but have also collected six draws in eight matches.

They host Milan without the injured Giorgio Scalvini, while the Rossoneri have travelled to Bergamo without Adrien Rabiot, Ardon Jashari, Christian Pulisic and Pervis Estupinan.

MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 24, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Multiple sources, including Gazzetta, claim that Atalanta coach Juric will pick Lookman and De Ketelaere in attack, with Mario Pasalic playing as an attacking midfielder.

Massimiliano Allegri is expected to reply with Leao and Gimenez up front. The Mexico international has yet to score a goal in Serie A this season.

Davide Bartesaghi will replace Estupinan on the left wing, and Fikayo Tomori will return to the starting XI after resting against Pisa in the previous round.

Atalanta vs. Milan – where to watch on TV

The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK and Ireland, but is also available to stream on DAZN. Fans in the USA can stream it live on Paramount+.

Atalanta vs. Milan – probable line-ups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Zalewski; Pasalic; De Ketelaere, Lookman.

Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Gimenez, Leao.

Juric: ‘Sorry for Tudor; Atalanta must improve in every area’

Ivan Juric says Atalanta must raise their level in every department as they prepare for a crucial clash with Milan, while also expressing sympathy for Igor Tudor after the Croatian coach was sacked by Juventus.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Juric opened by reacting to events in Turin. “I feel sorry for Tudor because he was a Juventus man,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“But this is our job. When you have a period where you play well but don’t win, you must improve in every area.”

Arsenal target Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta BC react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta BC react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Atalanta coach Juric: ‘Everything is fine with Carnesecchi’

The coach also addressed his recent public friction with goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, insisting the issue is closed. “Everything is absolutely fine,” Juric stressed.

“The words were said in the heat of the moment. I’m very satisfied with his performances.”

Juric confirmed that Marten de Roon’s selection in defence was a deliberate tactical choice and not a stop-gap. “It’s not a surprise,” he said. “He does that role well.”

He also discussed squad fitness, noting that Sead Kolašinac is not yet ready to start, while “Scamacca needs calm, but I’d like to get him playing soon.”

CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Juric on tough schedule ahead of Milan clash

Despite a run of draws and missed opportunities, Juric remains positive. “We’ve created a lot, but we haven’t turned it into goals. The team is alive. Lookman is fully involved and only missing the finish,” he explained.

Kossounou, meanwhile, is expected to start: “I’m pleased with his progress and I think he will play from the beginning.”

Juric acknowledged the challenge of facing Milan, especially with a demanding schedule. “Playing every 2-3 days is difficult. We analyse things day by day. To contain Milan, we need rhythm and compactness.”

Atalanta have not won in Serie A since September 21, and Tuesday night offers a crucial opportunity to restart their campaign.

Juric irritable after Atalanta draw: ‘Carnesecchi needs to talk less’

Ivan Juric told Marco Carnesecchi he needs to ‘talk less’ after Atalanta were held to another disappointing draw by Cremonese. ‘We had too many scoring opportunities go to waste.’

La Dea managed to maintain their unbeaten Serie A record at the Stadio Zini thanks to a goal from substitute Marco Brescianini, after Jamie Vardy had put Cremonese in front with his debut goal.

“I did not like the team in the first half, they were sluggish, and it’s not just about the Champions League, because I didn’t like the way those who were rotated played either,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia.

“After the break, we did the usual thing of creating a ton of chances and then allowing a counter-attack, which can happen in football. We did much better, but once again we had too many scoring opportunities go to waste.”

Juric sees recurring Atalanta problem

CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Although they are yet to taste defeat in Italy, the fact remains Atalanta have just 12 points, because they have drawn six of their eight games in the league.

Including the Champions League, they’ve played four consecutive stalemates, which means they have just one point more than newly-promoted Cremonese.

In his post-match interview, Marco Carnesecchi said that Atalanta had to change gear or they would “go nowhere” with this pace of results.

Juric was told about the comments and did not appreciate the constructive criticism.

“Marco is an ambitious guy, but he was completely wrong. His job is to save shots, be professional and talk a lot less. That’s true of many players, not just him,” replied the coach.

“I am very satisfied with the overall performances, but when we keep creating these chances and don’t win for several games in a row, it irritates me. I don’t think Carnesecchi is suited to talk about this situation.

“Carnesecchi is a good lad, he’s doing really well and I see how hard he works, but all these players are working their socks off. If we create 20-25 chances every game and don’t score, there are reasons for it. Lookman and Scamacca didn’t train over the summer, so they need to get into shape.”

CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese scores a goal before the goal was canceled due offside during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese scores a goal before the goal was canceled due offside during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Atalanta have put together a streak of disappointing draws against teams they had expected to beat, whereas the upcoming fixture list includes Milan, Udinese, Olympique Marseille, Sassuolo, Napoli, Eintracht Frankfurt and Fiorentina.

Will they be able to create this many chances to score in those games?

“We have dropped points, that is true, and we need to improve, but we also saw strong performances against teams like Juventus and Club Brugge,” assured Juric.

Vardy ‘over the moon’ with first Serie A goal, but wants to learn Italian fast

Jamie Vardy is ‘over the moon’ with his first Serie A goal, albeit with regrets that Cremonese were held to a draw, but reveals extra motivation for learning Italian. ‘My kids will take the mickey!’

The veteran finally made his mark this evening by giving Cremonese the lead against Atalanta at the Stadio Zini, his first goal since making the move as a free agent over the summer.

However, it was cancelled out by a late Marco Brescianini strike for the final 1-1 result.

Vardy joy at breaking Serie A duck

CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

“I’m over the moon to get my first goal, but taking the lead that late on, I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t get the three points. Still, it’s a step in the right direction,” Vardy told Sky Sport Italia.

There had been doubts about his fitness levels at the age of 38, but the former Leicester City legend showed he is in good shape with some acrobatic backflips to celebrate.

Jamie Vardy’s having a party! 🤸‍♂️#CremoneseAtalanta 1-0 pic.twitter.com/h1TB4QMH3S

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 25, 2025

“I feel great. I look after myself, make sure I do all the right recovery and as close to 100 per cent for each game as and when they come. If the manager wants me to play, then I’m all ready to go, and then that decision is up to the manager. I’m ready whenever.”

CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese scores before the goal was disallowed due to being offside during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese scores before the goal was disallowed due to being offside during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

The Premier League winner was asked what differences he has found between English football and Serie A after these first few months of the experience.

“It’s more tactical and possession based in Serie A, you get to the Premier League and it’s all high intensity, fast paced, normally end to end. Here you have more time on the ball, you need to make sure you’re in the right positions.

“At the end of the day, football is football, we just have to make sure we’re on it 100 per cent every week. It’s 11 against 11 every week, anyone can beat anyone, so as long as we’re fully on it, we know that we can pick up points no matter who we’re playing.”

Has Vardy learned any Italian since making the move to Cremonese?

“I only know the basics, good morning, thank you, numbers, but I’ll be taking lessons as of next week, so hopefully that will start the bringing on the language a bit more. I have to learn, as my kids are learning, and I can’t have them learning it before me, otherwise they’ll be taking the mickey out of me!”

Serie A | Cremonese 1-1 Atalanta: Vardy not enough to down La Dea

Jamie Vardy scored his first Cremonese goal and celebrated with backflips, but Atalanta still got back with Marco Brescianini for yet another stalemate.

These teams have both proved themselves hard to beat, but also struggled to get victories. The hosts had drawn four of the last five, with Lameck Banda, Giuseppe Pezzella, Alberto Grassi, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo out injured. La Dea were the only Serie A side still unbeaten this season, but had drawn five of the seven and played a disappointing Champions League 0-0 with Slavia Prague midweek too. Giorgio Scalvini, Sead Kolasinac and Mitchel Bakker were the only remaining absentees.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Marco Silvestri of US Cremonese competes for the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Marco Silvestri of US Cremonese competes for the ball during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Charles De Ketelaere ran onto the Ederson through ball and should’ve gone for goal rather than rolling it across for Nikola Krstovic.

Isak Hien made a decisive interception to prevent Jamie Vardy nodding in from six yards, while Federico Baschirotto made practically a goal-line clearance on the Krstovic header from Raoul Bellanova’s hook back.

Marco Carnesecchi had his gloves stung by a Tommaso Barbieri strike, with Marco Silvestri doing the same on a Krstovic angled drive.

De Ketelaere aimed a weak totally free header straight at Silvestri on Ademola Lookman’s cross, while Lookman had two angled drives charged down by Baschirotto and Filippo Terracciano.

After the restart, Barbieri flung himself in the path of a Krstovic volley from 10 yards, then when Jamie Vardy had the ball in the net on 56 minutes with a delicate finish, he was flagged offside.

CREMONA, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Marten de Roon of Atalanta ia during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Marten de Roon of Atalanta ia during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Lazar Samardzic came off the bench and forced a tricky low save out of Silvestri by drilling through a defender’s legs at the base of the near post.

Terracciano also used his body to charge down Lookman’s curler from the edge of the box, while Silvestri got down quickly to fingertip a Samardzic daisy-cutter round the base of the upright. On the resulting corner, Marten de Roon’s volley flashed inches wide.

Instead, it was Cremonese who took the lead with the first Italian goal for Vardy. Carnesecchi stuck out a leg for a stunning save on Alessio Zerbin’s angled drive from eight yards, but could do nothing on the Vardy follow-up. The English veteran celebrated with some acrobatic backflips.

Jamie Vardy’s having a party! 🤸‍♂️#CremoneseAtalanta 1-0 pic.twitter.com/h1TB4QMH3S

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 25, 2025

However, Atalanta kept pushing, and after another big Silvestri reaction save on Gianluca Scamacca, Marco Brescianini thumped the rebound into the far bottom corner from just inside the area on the half-volley.

Cremonese 1-1 Atalanta

Vardy 78 (C), Brescianini 84 (A)

25-10-2025 19:45
MatchDay 8

Player statistic

1st half
Romano Floriani Mussolini 16'    
2nd half
Jamie Vardy 51'    
    75' Gianluca Scamacca
Jamie Vardy 78'    
    84' Goal Marco Brescianini
Franco Vázquez Yellow card 90+4'    

Match statistic

35
Possession %
65
9
Total shots
20
5
Shots on target
6
4
Shots off target
6
0
Blocked shots
8
2
Corners
10
3
Offsides
2
6
Fouls
8
Cremonese
Atalanta

Starting lineups

16
Goalkeeper
30
Defender
61'
4
Defender
24
Midfielder
27
Midfielder
32
Midfielder
73'
7
Attacker
85'
99
Attacker
46'
10
Attacker
29
Goalkeeper
19
Defender
4
Defender
16
Defender
13
Midfielder
8
Midfielder
15
Midfielder
82'
59
Midfielder
11
Attacker
17
58'
90
Attacker
58'

Substitutes

69
Goalkeeper
1
Goalkeeper
90
23
11
Attacker
48
Midfielder
19
Midfielder
46'
15
61'
55
Defender
73'
20
Midfielder
85'
70
Midfielder
77
31
Goalkeeper
57
Goalkeeper
3
Defender
47
6
Midfielder
69
Defender
Defender
10
Midfielder
58'
9
58'
44
Midfielder
82'
7
Midfielder
82'
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