FONSECA: "WE'RE READY FOR ATALANTA"

With high morale following three consecutive wins against Slovan Bratislava, Empoli and Sassuolo, the Rossoneri are preparing to play one of their toughest away matches of the season. Up next is Atalanta v AC Milan, a real test against a side in fantastic form. Coach Fonseca previewed the matchday 15 clash in Serie A in his press conference at Milanello.

AC MILAN'S CURRENT FORM
"It's never a good time to face Atalanta. We're doing well and growing, and the team have confidence. We know the dangers of the match: Atalanta are very strong, but we're ready to face them. I think our improvement has come from the way the team have been defending, which brings stability and confidence to everyone, and that is seen when we attack and try to take control of matches."

ATALANTA
"It's been a long time since we’ve seen a team play like this. Football is cyclical and evolves, but Gasperini has been a pioneer for this style of play. Everyone in Europe is aware of how difficult it is to face teams like Atalanta, and many now follow this model and try to play this way, including Bayern and Stuttgart. Atalanta have an idea which, internationally, has become an example to follow." 

A TURNING POINT
"It's important but not decisive. The team don't this match to be aware of what we're doing. Obviously, winning could give us a further confidence boost. Defensively, it'll be a good test because Atalanta's attack creates a lot and, collectively, they're strong."

CHOICES
"Musah will play. We've prepared for the match well, and it'll be a very tactical affair. They do everything very well, but we're ready to face them. Nowadays, matches are very strategic: we don't change our principles but can always make some adjustments depending on who we're up against. We always want to take the initiative, but it's difficult to constantly dominate in such matches."

CHUKWU AND RAFA
"Leão still has big room for improvement. In our last few matches, he's done well defensively, too. However, in his mind, he always needs to have the ambition to do better. He should be aiming to score 20 goals. When you have the qualities he has, you must always demand more from yourself. Sammy is doing well and increasinly adapting to his role. He knows how to make sacrifices because he's a responsible player."

INJURY SITUATION
"Bennacer is back Milanello. It's pleasing to see him again, and he's doing well physically. He needs a bit more time to make his return to the team. The others are doing well, including Loftus-Cheek and Sportiello." 

AC MILAN'S FIRST FEW MONTHS
"Right now, I'm satisfied with a lot of things. The players' growth is very important to me, and being the coach of this team is a privilege I think about every day."

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