WATCH Serie A LIVE on beIN SPORTS | Sign up to take advantage of our 7-day FREE TRIAL here | AU | NZ

Gian Piero Gasperini's side sits third in the standings, four points ahead of Bologna, which stunned leader Inter Milan earlier in the day. 

The first half at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza offered little in terms of goalmouth action, with just one shot on target between the two sides before the break.

Luka Jovic came closest to opening the scoring in the first 45 minutes, but he was unable to test Marco Carnesecchi from close range after finding space to shoot.

Milan again came close when Rafael Leao's cross across the area narrowly evaded Christian Pulisic, but it was Atalanta that got its nose in front just after the hour.

Ademola Lookman's cross to the back post was played back into the area by Raoul Bellanova, with Ederson's diving header finding its way past Mike Maignan.

Atalanta almost doubled its lead late on, but Mateo Retegui's effort from close range was thwarted by the boot of Milan captain Maignan.

The result saw jeers echo around the stadium from the home supporters, who continued to vent their frustration at Milan's hierarchy after a poor run of results.

Sergio Conceicao's side is now nine points adrift of the top four with five games of its season remaining, and the coach said after the match he feels he has not been shown enough respect by the media amid questions over his future.

Milan is in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, with a second leg against Inter coming up this week, but speculation has been mounting that the Portuguese coach will not be at the helm next season.

He feels these rumours are disrespectful.

"Since I arrived and won the Super Cup, there has been talk every day about managers coming to Milan," Conceicao said.

"For me that is fine, I am inside football for 40 years, but the players read the news and so there is no stability. We have to work today to try to be better.

"It isn't easy for me because there is not much respect, they talk as if the Milan manager has never coached, and it's not like that.

"My future doesn't depend on anything, I have to prepare for the next match against Inter to win this trophy."

Conceicao does not believe that the upcoming game against Inter influenced Milan's performance against Atalanta, but was not happy with the impact his substitutions made.

"For me, a player must be aware that the most important game is the one he is playing," Conceicao said.

"Those who come on during the match usually give us something more."

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini, meanwhile, sees no reason to be disappointed with Atalanta's campaign.

"For me it's an incredible season, tonight's victory gives us the chance to reach the Champions League again, which is an extraordinary goal, fundamental for Bergamo," Gasperini said.

"Bologna's victory [over Inter] could have been dangerous, having won at San Siro gives us an incredible turning point.

"Let's not joke, how can you have regrets with 64 points.

"It's true, we are seven points off the top two and this is down to the head-to-head games lost against the leaders.

"But from a technical point of view to think that Atalanta could play for the Scudetto is a bit exaggerated. Just look at the big teams that are behind us."

Atalanta has taken 36 points on the road this season, more than any other team in Serie A.

It next faces relegation-threatened Lecce.