Despite the big win, Milan were struggling for long parts of the game against the Orobici, before Inzaghi secured the win for Ancelotti's men.

"Inzaghi gave us a really big hand today," Ancelotti said following the Serie A game.

"It was a difficult game and for long periods of the first half Atalanta had us under pressure, but Pippo’s ability to pounce at the right time allowed us to end on a high."

The former Parma boss insisted that his team's display was affected by the large number of absentees, who are all out of the squad with various injuries.

"The team did everything it could in these circumstances. At the moment we can’t seem to play in a relaxed fashion or gain confidence.

"We must improve, but we will do it by working on fitness and getting people back on the field. I am aware we aren’t entertaining the fans right now."

Milan entered the game without Kaka, Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Massimo Ambrosini, Kakha Kaladze, Alessandro Nesta, Marco Borriello and Gennaro Gattuso.

The Rossoneri are currently third in the Serie A table with 51 points, twelve points behind leaders Inter and five points adrift of second-placed Juventus.