Milan, who were last league champions in 2011, are two points clear of reigning champions Inter Milan who had needed a win at Cagliari later on Sunday to remain in the title chase with one game left next weekend. Leao broke through after 56 minutes, picking up a Messias through ball to score between the legs of Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso, with Hernandez adding a second 19 minutes later following a brilliant solo run through the Atalanta defence.
Inter had to win at Cagliari to ensure that an enthralling title race enters a final week and they did it quite easily, with the Sardinians needing a result to avoid relegation and now, after a 1-3 home defeat, they are so close to descend in serie B.