Serie A wrap: More pain for Milan as Cagliari, Palermo share points

Atalanta condemned AC Milan to their second consecutive home defeat, while Cagliari salvaged a late point at Palermo on Saturday.

Milan handed new signing Nigel De Jong his first start of the season since making the switch from Manchester City but it was not enough to prevent the 18-time Serie A champions from suffering a 1-0 loss.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men started the better of the two sides as they dominated possession in the early exchanges, however, they could not make it count on the scoreboard.

And in fact, it was the visitors who came closest to opening the scoring when Germain Denis lashed the ball onto the post.

After a nervy spell, Milan finally had their first goal-scoring opportunity. A surging run through midfield by Urby Emmanuelson created a chance for Stephen El Sharaawy whose low drive forced Andrea Consigli into a save.

The first half finished goalless but the breakthrough did eventually come – however it was Atalanta who went ahead.

Following some good build-up play, Denis played in Luca Cigarini who slotted the ball home in the 64th minute.

Milan sent a number of players forward in search of an equaliser but it never came, meaning Milan have picked up just three points from a possible nine, while Atalanta recorded their first win of the season.

In Saturday’s other result, Marco Sau netted an 88th-minute equaliser as Cagliari held Palermo to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Palermo, who were looking to claim their first points of the season, hit the front five minutes before the half-time break.

Egidio Arevalo Rios was the beneficiary of some good play from veteran Fabio Miccoli, finding the back of the net from just inside the penalty area.

Palermo seemed destined for maximum points, however on their final foray forward, Cagliari levelled the match through debutant Sau.

Sau, who has spent four seasons away from Cagliari on loan, pounced on a parried shot and headed home the equaliser.