MILAN (Reuters) - Champions AC Milan beat visitors Atalanta 2-0 in Serie A on Sunday, consolidating their position in the top four as they extended their winning streak to three league outings.
Milan, who have now won four consecutive games in all competitions for the first time this season, moved up to third in the standings on 47 points.
They are level with second-placed Inter Milan and three points above AS Roma, who visit bottom side Cremonese on Tuesday.
“We were (recently) always winning 1-0, but you can’t always hope not to concede goals,” coach Stefano Pioli, who oversaw his 800th career game as a manager, told DAZN.
“We should have closed it earlier, but it was a great performance by the team. We played it with the energy that I recognize in my players.
“(But) It’s clear that we still need to score a lot of points to finish in the top four”.
Pioli’s side took the lead in the 25th minute through an own goal by Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Milan defender Theo Hernandez sent a powerful first-time strike from distance which hit the inside of the post, and the ball went in off Musso’s back when he leaped to save it.
Milan forward Rafael Leao tried an individual effort in a counter-attack eight minutes later but narrowly missed the target.
The Portugal international went on to send the ball over the crossbar in the 37th minute after he was set up inside the box by Brahim Diaz.