AC MILAN v ATALANTA: TIME MACHINE

AC Milan v Atalanta - the Rossoneri's final fixture in February - is fast approaching. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Gewiss Stadium earlier in the season, while the most recent meeting at San Siro was that victory last season as a prelude to the Scudetto a week later. Let's prepare for kick-off with a quick trip back in time, to a 3-0 win on 24 September 1995.

THE SCENARIO
It was 1995/96 and Capello's Rossoneri went into the Serie A campaign with the clear aim of regaining the title, which had been won by Juventus in the previous season. Three wins from their first three matches - against Padova, Udinese and Roma - had put AC Milan well on their way as they went into this matchday 4 clash with La Dea at San Siro. Capello went with a 4-3-1-2 formation with plenty of attacking firepower: Baggio behind Weah and Simone. An all-Italian backline of Panucci, Baresi, Costacurta, and Maldini sat behind a midfield trio of Desailly, Albertini, and Boban.

DESAILLY OPENS THE SCORING
The game at San Siro began with a scare as Bonacina's goal was ruled out for offside against Herrera, who was adjudged to have obstructed Seba Rossi in the Milan goal. Having come through unscathed, the hosts took charge of the game and began to threaten. The breakthrough eventually came in the 25th minute through Frenchman Marcel Desailly, who rose highest to meet Simone's cross and head it home. Capello's side managed the game well, taking no risks, and went into the break with a one-goal lead.

BAGGIO AND DI CANIO WRAP IT UP
Despite the Rossoneri's superiority, the Rossoneri couldn't quite get that all-important second goal - until the 88th minute that is. Future Ballon d'Or winner George Weah took the game by the scruff of its neck and, in two minutes, assisted to goals. The first was for Roberto Baggio, who stuck the ball in the open net to make it 2-0. Paolo di Canio then got his name on the scoresheet in the 90th minute, when he - also served by King George - scored Milan's third of the day. The Rossoneri thus extended their winning run to start the season to four straight victories and would go on to lift the fourth Scudetto of the Capello era.

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