Published on 12:00 AM, February 18, 2019

Piatek makes Milan history

AC Milan's winter signing Krzysztof Piatek continued his red-hot run of form against Atalanta, scoring two great goals and in the process becoming the fastest player to reach six goals for the Italian giants. His efforts were heralded by La Gazetta Sportiva, who gave the headline 'Magical Piatek'.
Afp, Rome

Krzysztof Piatek hit a wonder goal and grabbed a second as AC Milan came back to defeat Atalanta 3-1 on Saturday and stay on course for the Champions League.

Piatek took his season's Serie A total to 17, just two behind Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Pole now has scored six times in four starts for Milan since moving from Genoa in January.

He also becomes the fastest Milan player to reach six goals for the club, overtaking Gunnar Nordahl. Piatek scored his six goals in just 310 minutes, well ahead of Nordahl's six in 419 minutes.

After Remo Freuler had given Atalanta a 33rd-minute lead, Piatek struck with a memorable left-footed volley in first-half stoppage time.

Ricardo Rodriguez swung in a cross from the left, Piatek hooked the ball around defender Berat Djimsiti before volleying into the top corner from 12 yards out despite not even looking at the target.

"I was being marked closely, but I knew the ball would come into the box sooner or later, so I made the movement to ensure I got there first," Piatek said. "I am happy with the two goals today and want to keep going like this. I am a striker, so I'd like to score in every game."

Turkish winger Hakan Calhanoglu then put Milan ahead with a sharp drive 10 minutes into the second period before Piatek headed in from a corner just after the hour mark to seal victory.

Milan fans have taken Piatek to their hearts, even devising a new chant "Piatek! Pum pum pum pum!" to mirror the striker's goal celebration of a pistol-shooter.

Gennaro Gattuso's Milan stay in fourth spot but they now have 42 points, four more than Atalanta, Roma and Lazio.

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