Rome (AFP)

The spectacular but unsuccessful clash on Saturday between Inter Milan and Atalanta at San Siro (2-2) made the business of AC Milan, provisional leader after beating La Spezia (2-1) thanks in particular to the first goal in Serie A of Daniel Maldini, son of Paolo.

Milan are one point ahead of Napoli (2nd), who will host Cagliari on Sunday on this 6th day to continue their clear round (five wins in five matches).

Inter, it must let slip the Rossoneri by giving up against Atalanta its first points at home after a game played at a hundred miles an hour.

The champion had his match point with a penalty in the 86th minute, sent over the bar by Federico Dimarco.

Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco, after missing a penalty in the final minutes of the Serie A home match against Atalanta Bergamo on September 25, 2021 at San Siro Stadium Marco BERTORELLO AFP

But the "Dea" too: Roberto Piccoli thought he had scored the winning goal, but it was called off by VAR because the ball had been released before.

Quite incredible final of a high-flying match, which Inter started off strong by opening the scoring with a superb volley from Lautaro Martinez (5th).

Atalanta took a quarter of an hour to find its rhythm but then dominated, logically passing in front on a tense shot from Ruslan Malinovsky (30th) then an opportunistic goal from defender Rafael Toloi mounted at the forefront (38th).

The joy of Atalanta Bergamo defender Rafael Toloi (r), congratulated by his teammates after his goal scored against Inter Milan, during their Serie A match, on September 25, 2021 at San Siro Stadium Marco BERTORELLO AFP

- Future and glorious past -

Faced with less dashing Bergamasques after the break, Inter equalized by Edin Dzeko (71st) and remains undefeated, like Milan and Napoli.

Inter Milan's Bosnian striker Edn Dzeko, after equalizing against Atalanta Bergamo, in the Serie A home match on September 25, 2021 at San Siro Stadium Marco BERTORELLO AFP

"The public must have had fun, but there is still a little bitterness," admitted Milan coach Simone Inzaghi, disappointed by Dimarco's missed penalty: "He made a great start to the season, he would have deserved to score the winning goal in front of the ultras' corner.

His counterpart Gian Piero Gasperini preferred "to be satisfied with having played such a match": "We come out of such a match more confident and stronger," he said.

Milan, despite the major departures of the summer (Donnarumma, Calhanoglu), has shown that he has reserve, with the one who, with his 19 years, embodies both his future and his glorious past: Daniel Maldini, son by Paolo and grandson of Cesare, two legends of the club.

AC Milan striker Daniel Maldini (c) on La Spezia field on September 25, 2021 Alberto PIZZOLI AFP

Maldini, tenured for the first time in Serie A, opened the scoring with a header from a cross from Pierre Kalulu (47th), a first goal applauded with emotion by his father, sporting director of the Rossoneri.

While La Spezia nevertheless thought to hold a point, after the equalizer of Daniele Verde (80th), Brahim Diaz emerged to restore the advantage to the Milanese (86th) just after his entry.

Third goal for the 22-year-old Spaniard about to forget Hakan Calhanoglu in the midfield.

- Discreet Giroud -

Daniel Maldini scored in Serie A 13 years after Paolo Maldini's last Serie A goal in March 2008.

La Gazzetta dello sport hailed the "romantic and effective beginnings" of the descendant of the Maldini dynasty.

"Daniel is talented, he sees the game," said Milan coach Stefano Pioli.

AC Milan striker Daniel Maldini (l), author of his 1st Serie A goal, is congratulated by striker Pietro Pellegri on September 25, 2021 at La Spezia Alberto PIZZOLI AFP

"He has to be faster and more focused to stand out, to get away from the opponents more, but I think he really has the qualities to grow," he added.

In La Spezia, where Juventus suffered Wednesday to win (3-2), the nugget was however discreet in the first period, like all the offensive players Rossoneri, out of rhythm.

"It was hard, it was complicated to find spaces and create chances. Fortunately, there were more spaces in the second half, it was easier," admitted the hero of the day.

At the forefront, Olivier Giroud was very discreet during his first tenure since August 29, because of Covid-19 then back pain.

Replaced at half-time, the Frenchman has three days to find more legs for the reception of Atlético Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League.

© 2021 AFP