Milan bring Salzburg momentum into Atalanta clash as Raspadori fitness concern grows

Alphadjo Cisse’s hat-trick in Milan’s 4-0 win over Salzburg gives the sixth-placed side a lift before Atalanta visit San Siro, while Giacomo Raspadori’s fitness is a major question for the visitors. Milan have a three-point lead over 10th-placed Atalanta, and both sides have ground to gain in Serie A.

Cisse also made history in the Europa League victory: Calciomercato.com reported he became the youngest Italian to score a hat-trick in European competition. Omari Hutchinson, Ardon Jashari and Davide Bartesaghi also impressed after struggling for playing time, and Gonçalo Ramos scored for the first time since the end of August.

Milan are unbeaten in the league after six games, with three wins and three draws. Their most recent Serie A outing ended 1-1 against Sassuolo. Across their last five matches in all competitions, they have recorded three wins and two draws, scoring 10 goals and conceding seven, according to Calciomercato.com.

Atalanta also arrive off a European win, beating Pafos 3-1 in the Conference League. But Raspadori left after 21 minutes with a muscle injury sustained as he scored a penalty, and updates on his condition were expected before the Milan match. Calciomercato.com lists Hien, Kossounou, Pompei, Scalvini, Bellanova and Sulemana as unavailable, with Elmas suspended.

Atalanta have nine points from six league games: three wins and three defeats. Their last five across all competitions brought two wins and three losses, with six goals scored and six conceded. They beat Venezia 3-1 before losing to Juventus, Cagliari and Roma.

Milan are also set to miss Pietro Terracciano, Alexis Saelemaekers and Matteo Gabbia through injury, according to Calciomercato.com. Its projected Milan side includes Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, Yunus Musah, Christian Pulisic and Ramos. The outlet’s Atalanta projection includes Raspadori, subject to his fitness, alongside Charles De Ketelaere and Nikola Krstović.

The most recent meeting at San Siro, on May 10, ended in a 3-2 Atalanta win. The last five head-to-heads are balanced at one win apiece and three draws, with both teams scoring 11 times. Sunday’s match kicks off at 18:00 CEST and is scheduled to air on DAZN, NOW and Sky Sport, according to Calciomercato.com. Milan’s unbeaten league start faces a test against an Atalanta side looking to close the three-point gap.