Atalanta secured a big three points in Milan courtesy of a first-half strike through the Argentine, Germán Denis. Milan lost yet again at home and the prospect of gaining access to the Champions League looks very slim.

After not winning in their last 3 games in Serie A, Milan and Inzaghi hoped to put that right in the Local Derby against Atalanta at the San Siro. The hosts were without Keisuke Honda who was at the Asian Cup. Mattia De Scilgio, Cristián Zapata and Michael Essien also missed this game through injury. Montolivo who turned 30 today and Bonaventura were versing their former clubs.

This is how the teams lined up:

AC Milan's XI: Diego Lopez; Abate, Mexes, Rami, Bonera; Montolivo, De Jong, Bonaventura; Cerci, Menez, El Shaarawy.

Atalanta's XI: Sportiello; Benalouane, Stendardo, Biava, Del Grosso; Zappacosta, Carmona, Cigarini, Maxi Moralez; Denis, Pinilla.

Goalscorer: Denis '32 (Atalanta)

Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza

After Milan's quick start to the game it was Atalanta who had the first meaningful attack of the game. 13 minutes had been played and Yohan Benalouane’s strike deflected off Frenchman, Philippe Mexès just wide off Diego López's net. Atalanta continued to grow in the game and only 4 minutes later were so unlucky not to go a goal ahead. Germán Denis's powerful strike thumped the bar after Adil Rami's defensive error. Davide Zappacosta stung the palms of Diego López on the follow-up. Denis had another chance at goal but his shot went well wide. However Atalanta finally reaped the rewards 32 minutes in. After Jérémy Ménez gave up the ball cheaply, Maximiliano Moralez took full advantage and played Denis through who finished brilliantly. On the stroke of half-time Milan had one of their sporadic attacks, ending with Ménez hitting his shot wide from a costless-kick.

After the Interval, Milan had majority of the possession but couldn't create many chances. Nigel de Jong had a header stopped by his own teammate Adil Rami. Stephan El Shaarawy showed a great burst of pace but his final ball and final pass at times wasn't good enough to create or score a goal for the Rossoneri. On the break Atalanta were also a danger as the Milan players were constantly out of position trying to get the equalizer. The Spaniard, López stopped Moralez from close range on one of these counter attacks. Pippo tried everything to get the goal for Milan, he subbed off skipper, Riccardo Montolivo for M'Baye Niang who looked lively but still couldn't get the goal Milan craved.

This defeat leaves Milan stuck on 26 points in 8th place. This was Milan's second successive home defeat in Serie A after losing to Sassuolo. This win for Atalanta leaves them 6 points behind Milan on 20 points and in 15th place.