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AC Milan will hope to continue with their winning ways when they take on Atalanta in what is expected to be a tricky trip to Bergamo on Sunday.
Robinho will partner Ibrahimovic in Milan's attack
Milan will have to be on top of their game in order to return home with the three points, because Atalanta are unbeaten in their last six games, having come from a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Cesena in their last Serie A fixture in late December.
Incidentally, Atalanta have remained unbeaten in the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium this season and for many have been labelled the revelation of the season. Had Atalanta not received a six-point penalty at the beginning of the season, they would currently find themselves with 26 points, only eight points behind Milan, with 34.
Although it is expected to be a difficult test for Milan, due to Atalanta's intensity and physical game, the Rossoneri count with a formidable squad and have been in equally impressive form in recent encounters.
Massimiliano Allegri, the coach of Milan, will have to make do without the services of the injured quartet of Mario Yepes, Ignazio Abate, Mathieu Flamini and Antonio Cassano, while Massimo Ambrosini will miss the match due to suspension.
Although Alexandre Pato scored a superb back-heel goal in Wednesday's 1-0 friendly match victory over Paris Saint-German in Doha, his fellow Brazilian international Robinho is likely to get the nod ahead of him in the attack alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Meanwhile, Stefano Colantuono, the coach of Atalanta, is likely to make two changes to his side, with Ezequiel Schelotto and Simone Padoin replacing Adriano Ferreira Pinto and Carlos Carmona in the midfield. While Guido Marilungo, who scored twice in the win over Cesena, could replace Argentine attacking midfielder Maximiliano Moralez.
Players who will miss the game are Cristiano Doni, who is suspended, and Daniele Capelli, who is out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.
The clash will see the league's two highest scorers head-to-head, with German Denis, 12 goals and Ibrahimovic, 11 goals. One of these two players could possibly decide the outcome of the match.
Milan have a historical advantage over Atalanta when playing in Bergamo, with 19 wins and 20 draws from 50 matches. They have scored a total of 66 goals and conceded 50. However, Milan have managed only one victory in their last four visits to Atalanta, when Kaka scored a late winner for a 1-0 win in 2008.
Atalanta vs Milan Match Report
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his twelfth goal of the season to ensure AC Milan remain top of Serie A after win over Atalanta.
Ibrahimovic celebrates scoring opener with Pato
The Italian champions inflicted a first home defeat of the season upon Atalanta courtesy of goals in either half from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
The match itself started at an electric pace as both sides pushed forward in search of an early goal. Atalanta midfielder Simone Padoin was presented with two decent goalscoring opportunities, but he fired the ball over the crossbar on both occasions.
Atalanta were made to rue their wasteful finishing, when the visitors went ahead in the 22nd minute. Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato, who started the game instead of fellow countryman Robinho was brought down by Thomas Manfredini as he shielded the ball in the area.
Ibrahimovic stepped up to the spot and made no mistake with a well-placed finish to join Atalanta striker German Denis on top of the scoring charts with 12 goals.
The remainder of the half was extremely evenly balanced, as both teams were locked in the midfield for large periods.
Milan returned to their normal game at the beginning of the second half, and Pato almost doubled their lead when he struck the woodwork from close-range.
Moments later Denis hit the post for Atalanta after a dangerous corner-kick was flicked across the Milan goalmouth. Atalanta were on top at this point, but couldn't do anything to prevent Milan's second goal eight minutes from full-time.
Ibrahimovic was once again at the centre of the play that led to the goal, as the menacing Swede brought down a cross-field pass with his chest before taking the ball to the touch-line and sending a grounded pass to Boateng, who blasted the ball home.
With the win, Milan remain on top of the table on the same points as Juventus, but with a superior goal-difference. They come into next Sunday's highly anticipated Milan derby against Inter in stunning form.
Atalanta vs Milan Videos
All Goals
0-1 Ibrahimovic (Penalty) 22'
0-2 Boateng 82'