Atalanta 1-1 AC Milan: Serie A result as Milan miss chance to close gap on Napoli, Ademola Lookman scores in seventh Atalanta draw

AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday against Atalanta, who endured their fifth consecutive Serie A draw and their seventh in total this season.

Milan started on the front foot and took an early lead after just four minutes. Atalanta cleared a corner, which fell into the path of Samuele Ricci, who struck the ball back towards goal from 25 yards out, only for his effort to take a deflection before bouncing past goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.

But that was about all of the pressure Milan managed to pile on Atalanta’s goal during the first half, and after a number of wasted chances, the home side eventually equalised through Ademola Lookman. The Nigeria international made a run into the box and got on the end of a delicate through ball from Mario Pasalic, before thumping the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Not much could separate the teams in the second half, with a lack of urgency from both sides. Milan looked improved when England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek was introduced on the hour mark, as he provided much-needed energy to the Milan frontline, but the Italian giants still could not find a way through the unbeaten Atalanta defence.

Towards the end of a relatively quiet second half, Davide Zappacosta unleashed a dangerous strike which was heading for the top corner, only for Mike Maignan to pull off a sensational stop.

Atalanta, who have found it difficult to finish games off this season, were seeking only their third victory of the season, but experienced the same struggles against an injury-stricken Milan side and, after nine Serie A games, have already drawn seven.

It is the first time since December 2011 that Atalanta have drawn five matches in a row, while they have drawn four on the spin at home for the first time since 2007.

That's time! It ends all square.

Matteo Gabbia and Marco Brescianini have both been cautioned in the remaining minutes.

There will be five minutes of additional time.

They're pushing for a winner now!

Yunus Musah pokes the ball towards goal at the near post, but his effort deflects behind for a corner.

Zappacosta flies forward from left back, and then lets fly with a terrific effort which was matched by an even better save from Maignan!

That was heading for the top corner, but a sensational acrobatic effort keeps the scores level.

Will we get a winner?

You could argue that a draw would suit Milan, whereas Atalanta probably need three points at home.

There hasn't been much to rave about during the second half, with a lack of urgency from both sides, which has made for a disappointing second 45 minutes, so far.

There is a little over 10 minutes plus added time to play.

He pulls Pasalic's shirt and is rightly cautioned.

Loftus-Cheek has been a handful since his arrival, adding an abundance of much-needed energy to the Milan frontline.

Milan float a ball in from the left and Loftus-Cheek rises highest to head the ball across goal towards the back post, where Nkunku is waiting, but Atalanta clear their lines.

It looks as though Milan will have to make a change here. They're already littered with injuries and this could be another one.

Gimenez hits the deck for the second time this half, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek is readying himself.

Lookman darts into the box from the left but Tomori reads it well and blocks his cross.

Things have slowed down.

It's clear that both teams want to lose this. Milan are struggling to get Nkunku into the game, while you would imagine Atalanta would be desperate for a win to avoid a SEVENTH draw of the season.

They are yet to lose, though, so will want to keep hold of the record.

Milan will miss out on the chance to close the gap on Serie A leaders Napoli to a single point.

They would remain in third for now, three points from the summit.

After a brief pause in play, Tomori hobbles off to the side of the pitch before composing himself and re-entering play. He'll try to continue.

And this one doesn't look good.

It looked as though he clutched the back of his left knee after a sliding challenge.