Atalanta BC and AC Milan typically field highly competitive lineups featuring a blend of explosive wing-backs and creative playmakers. For their most recent 2025/2026 Serie A encounters, Atalanta has favored a 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1 system under Gian Piero Gasperini, often starting Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere in attack. AC Milan, led by Massimiliano Allegri (who returned to the helm in late 2025), has countered with a robust 3-5-2 or 4-3-3 formation, centering their offensive threat around Rafael Leão and Mexican striker Santiago Giménez.
In this guide, you will find comprehensive data regarding the current squads, tactical shifts, and historical matchups between these two Italian giants. We explore how individual player matchups, such as the midfield battle between Éderson and Samuele Ricci, dictate the flow of the game. Additionally, this article provides practical details for fans attending the match at the New Balance Stadium (Gewiss Stadium) and a deep dive into the statistical trends that define this rivalry in 2026.
Predicted Atalanta BC Starting Lineup
Atalanta’s lineup is built around a relentless man-marking system and high-intensity wing-back play. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini relies on the versatility of his squad to rotate between a front two and a lone striker supported by two attacking midfielders.
As of January 2026, the probable starting XI for La Dea features Marco Carnesecchi in goal, protected by a back three of Kossounou, Isak Hien, and Berat Djimsiti. The midfield engine room typically consists of Marten de Roon and Éderson, flanked by Davide Zappacosta and Nicola Zalewski, with Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere leading the line.
Key Defensive Personnel
The defensive unit is anchored by the physical presence of Isak Hien, who has become a focal point of Atalanta’s high-line strategy. He is often tasked with tracking elite strikers like Milan’s Santiago Giménez across the entire defensive third.
Creative Midfield Roles
Mario Pašalić often acts as the “tactical wild card,” moving between the midfield pivot and the attacking trident to create numerical overloads. His ability to time runs into the box remains one of Atalanta’s primary goal-scoring threats from deep.
Predicted AC Milan Starting Lineup
AC Milan’s lineup has undergone a tactical evolution in the 2025/2026 season, leaning toward a more defensively stable 3-5-2 formation under Massimiliano Allegri. This setup prioritizes midfield control and the explosive pace of their forwards on the counter-attack.
The expected Rossoneri lineup features Mike Maignan between the posts, with a defensive trio of Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, and Strahinja Pavlović. The midfield five usually includes Samuele Ricci, Youssouf Fofana, and the legendary Luka Modrić, while Rafael Leão and Santiago Giménez form a dynamic strike partnership.
Midfield Control Centers
Samuele Ricci has emerged as the creative heartbeat of the Milan midfield since his arrival, providing the bridge between defense and attack. His partnership with the experienced Luka Modrić allows Milan to maintain possession under heavy pressure.
The Leão-Giménez Partnership
The synergy between Rafael Leão and Santiago Giménez provides Milan with a blend of elite dribbling and clinical finishing. Leão’s ability to draw defenders out of position creates the necessary space for Giménez to exploit inside the penalty area.
Tactical Matchup: Gasperini vs Allegri
The tactical battle between Gian Piero Gasperini and Massimiliano Allegri is a study in contrasting footballing philosophies. Gasperini’s Atalanta utilizes a chaotic, high-pressing style that aims to overwhelm the opponent, while Allegri’s Milan focuses on defensive solidity and clinical efficiency.
Atalanta’s wing-backs, such as Raoul Bellanova or Davide Zappacosta, are instructed to push high up the pitch, essentially acting as auxiliary wingers. Milan counters this by using a five-man midfield to clog the passing lanes and force Atalanta to play long balls, which the physical Milanese center-backs are well-equipped to handle.
History of Head-to-Head Encounters
The rivalry between Atalanta and AC Milan has become one of the most exciting fixtures in Serie A over the last decade. As of January 2026, the historical record is remarkably balanced, with Atalanta holding 11 wins to Milan’s 10, with 8 draws.
Recent fixtures have been characterized by high-scoring affairs and dramatic late goals. In October 2025, the two sides played out a fierce 1-1 draw at the New Balance Stadium, where an Ademola Lookman strike cancelled out an early goal from Samuele Ricci, highlighting the competitive parity between the clubs.
Key Players to Watch
Several individuals possess the quality to decide the outcome of this fixture with a single moment of brilliance. For Atalanta, the focus is often on Ademola Lookman, whose explosive pace and clinical finishing earned him international acclaim during the 2024 Europa League final.
For AC Milan, the spotlight remains on Mike Maignan, whose shot-stopping and distribution are vital for initiating quick transitions. Additionally, the young defender Davide Bartesaghi has seen increased minutes, representing the next generation of Rossoneri talent capable of impacting high-stakes matches.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending an Atalanta vs AC Milan match in Bergamo offers one of the most authentic atmospheres in Italian football. Here are the practical details for fans planning a visit.
- Venue: New Balance Stadium (formerly Gewiss Stadium), Bergamo, Italy.
- Match Dates: Typically scheduled during the Serie A season (August to May).
- Ticket Prices: Range from €40 for the Curva to €250+ for VIP hospitality.
- How to Get There: Reachable via a 20-minute walk from Bergamo Railway Station or local ATB bus lines.
- What to Expect: A passionate, vocal home crowd and a modernized stadium with excellent sightlines.
- Tips for Visitors: Bergamo’s “Città Alta” (Upper Town) is a must-visit before the match for local cuisine and historic architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current coach of AC Milan in 2026?
As of early 2026, Massimiliano Allegri is the head coach of AC Milan, having returned to the club to replace Paulo Fonseca in late 2025.
What is the latest result between Atalanta and AC Milan?
Their most recent meeting on October 28, 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Samuele Ricci (Milan) and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta).
How many Champions League titles do these clubs have?
AC Milan has won 7 Champions League titles, making them the second most successful club in the competition’s history. Atalanta has never won the Champions League but won the Europa League in 2024.
Is Santiago Giménez still at AC Milan?
Yes, Mexican striker Santiago Giménez is a key part of the AC Milan lineup in the 2025/2026 season, typically starting in a two-man front line.
What formation does Atalanta use under Gasperini?
Atalanta primarily uses a 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation, characterized by three central defenders and high-pressing wing-backs.
Where can I watch Atalanta vs AC Milan on TV?
In the UK, matches are broadcast on TNT Sports, while fans in the USA can stream the games live on Paramount+.
Who has more wins in head-to-head history?
In their competitive history, the record is very close. As of January 2026, Atalanta has 11 wins, Milan has 10 wins, and there have been 8 draws.
Is Charles De Ketelaere playing for Atalanta or Milan?
After a loan spell, Charles De Ketelaere completed a permanent move to Atalanta and is currently a vital part of their starting lineup against his former club, Milan.
Who is the captain of Atalanta BC?
The veteran Dutch midfielder Marten de Roon serves as the primary captain for Atalanta BC.
Can I buy match tickets on the day of the game?
It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance via the official club websites, as high-profile matches like those against Milan often sell out.
What is the capacity of Atalanta’s stadium?
The New Balance Stadium (Gewiss Stadium) has a capacity of approximately 25,000 following recent renovations.
Which player has represented both Atalanta and AC Milan recently?
In addition to Charles De Ketelaere, players like Giacomo Bonaventura, Franck Kessié, and Andrea Conti have famously played for both clubs.
Final Thoughts
The tactical rivalry between Atalanta BC and AC Milan has evolved into one of the most intellectually stimulating matchups in Italian football. As of early 2026, the contrast between Gian Piero Gasperini’s high-octane, man-marking system and the disciplined, counter-attacking structure re-introduced by Massimiliano Allegri at Milan defines the modern Serie A era. While Atalanta continues to rely on the explosive creativity of Ademola Lookman and the physical dominance of Gianluca Scamacca, AC Milan’s shift to a more rigid 3-5-2 has provided them with the defensive stability needed to handle the “chaotic energy” of Bergamo’s finest.
Statistically, the fixture remains a dead heat. The recent 1-1 draw in late 2025 at the New Balance Stadium served as a perfect microcosm of this parity: a match won and lost in the half-spaces by players like Samuele Ricci and Charles De Ketelaere. With both teams locked in a fierce battle for Champions League qualification—Milan sitting 2nd and Atalanta stalking the top four in 7th—their next encounter in May 2026 at the San Siro is expected to be a decisive moment for their respective seasons. For fans and analysts alike, the Atalanta vs. Milan lineups represent the cutting edge of European tactical innovation.
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