Atalanta secured a spot in the Coppa Italia semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro. Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners emerged as the hero for the visitors, scoring twice to overturn Rafael Leao’s early opener for the hosts.
In a rematch of their recent Serie A clash, both teams fielded strong lineups despite injuries sidelining key players. Milan welcomed back Matteo Gabbia from loan to bolster their defense, while Atalanta coped without players like El Bilal Toure and Ademola Lookman, participating in AFCON.
Despite early dominance that led to the sending off of Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for overreacting, Milan took the lead in the 45th minute with a superb counterattacking goal by Leao. However, Atalanta quickly responded, with Koopmeiners equalizing within 60 seconds, converting from inside the area after a fine play down the right by Emil Holm.
The second half witnessed end-to-end action and controversies surrounding penalties. Koopmeiners ultimately sealed the victory in the 59th minute, confidently slotting home from the spot after Atalanta was awarded a contentious penalty.
Milan applied late pressure in search of an equalizer, but Gasperini’s side held firm, earning a place in the semi-finals. They are now set to face Fiorentina in a two-legged tie for a chance to reach the final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in May.
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