Milan are confident ahead of their visit to high-flying Atalanta in Serie A on Friday, said coach Paulo Fonseca, who knows his team face a tough test.
Atalanta are unbeaten in the league since the 3-2 defeat to Como at the end of September and are second behind Napoli. They have earned more than 30 points for the first time in their history after fourteen games in Serie A.
The reigning Europa League champions have plundered a whopping 36 goals, with Opta's supercomputer giving them a 28.2% chance of winning the title.
Milan, meanwhile, beat Empoli 3-0 last week before beating Sassuolo 6-1 in the Coppa Italia, meaning they go into the match in top form.
“It's never a good time to play against Atalanta,” said Fonseca.
“We are in a good moment, we are growing and we are confident. However, it is always difficult to face Atalanta.
“They have won their last eight games, scoring 26 goals and conceding only four. It will be a very difficult match but we are ready to play it with confidence.”
“I think we have prepared the match well. It will be tactical.
“It's very easy to understand how Atalanta play. But it's difficult to counter them because they are doing very well, offensively and defensively.”
Milan are seventh, ten points behind leaders Napoli, but Fonseca thinks they are going in the right direction.
“I think a big part of this comes from the way the team defends, because that brings stability and confidence to everyone,” Fonseca said.
“The team is doing well defensively and that gives confidence to attack.
“It will be a good test for us because Atalanta are very strong offensively, they create a lot. It will be a good test to see how we defend and also how we attack,” Fonseca added.
Fonseca faced Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini four times in Serie A during his time at Roma, losing three of those encounters and drawing the other.
“I have no special desire to beat Gasperini,” said Fonseca.
“I am the first to say that he is unique. We have to recognize the work he does. I have great admiration for him. I want to win tomorrow, like against everyone.”
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