German Denis has given Atalanta BC a deserved 1-0 lead over AC Milan at the halfway stage of their Serie A match this afternoon.

Denis came close for the visitors inside the opening two minutes when he found space in the box, before scuffing an effort across goal and wide of the far post.

Luca Cigarini then threatened with a long-range strike that was comfortably saved by Diego Lopez.

Atalanta were creating the better chances and they came within inches of making the breakthrough as Denis rattled a shot against the bar.

The Nerazzurri finally made their dominance count by taking the lead in the 33rd minute when Maximiliano Moralez charged through the midfield, before sliding in Denis to fire past Lopez.

On the stroke of half time Jeremy Menez drilled a free kick just wide of the post as Milan headed into the break trailing.