AC Milan are set to host Empoli at the iconic San Siro this Saturday in a pivotal Serie A clash. Both teams are navigating through a challenging season, with Milan striving to maintain their position within the top six of the league, while Empoli looks to solidify their mid-table standing.
AC Milan enter this match after a mixed bag of performances. Their recent 0-0 draw against Juventus was particularly disappointing, as they managed only one shot on target throughout the entire match. This lack of offensive output leaves them seventh in the Serie A standings with a total of 19 points. However, they found some redemption in the Champions League, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Slovan Bratislava, thanks to goals from Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham, and Rafael Leao. This win marked their third consecutive success in Europe and helps them stay clear of elimination as they prepare for the final group stage matches.
Despite their Champions League success, Milan’s domestic form has been erratic. They have alternated between conceding and keeping clean sheets over their last ten league matches, indicating a troubling inconsistency. With a ten-point gap to first-placed Napoli and five other teams positioned ahead of them, any aspirations for silverware this season may hinge on their performance in knockout competitions. Notably, Milan has not scored in their last two Serie A home games at San Siro and could face the prospect of going three matches without a home win for the first time since 2021—a scenario that would heighten pressure on head coach Paulo Fonseca.
Empoli arrive at this fixture with a surprising proximity to Milan in the table. Currently sitting in tenth place and just three points behind their illustrious opponents, they have shown resilience despite losing six of their last seven encounters with Milan. Historically, Empoli has found success at San Siro, having claimed victories in 2003, 2007, and most recently in 2017. Their latest result was a commendable 1-1 draw against Udinese, where striker Pietro Pellegri continued his resurgence by scoring for the third consecutive match. This season, Empoli has only lost three times across all competitions, showcasing their ability to grind out results.
AC Milan’s recent Serie A form includes losses and draws that reflect their ongoing struggles. In all competitions, their form shows a mix of wins and draws alongside a recent loss. Empoli’s recent Serie A results demonstrate a similar pattern of draws and losses but highlight their resilience as they navigate through the season.
Team News
For AC Milan, head coach Paulo Fonseca will have most of his squad available for selection. Long-term absentees Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi remain sidelined alongside Luka Jovic. However, Álvaro Morata returns from suspension and is expected to compete for a starting position alongside Tammy Abraham and promising young talent Francesco Camarda. Morata is favored to start but Abraham’s recent scoring form against Empoli—he has netted four goals against them previously—could see him earn a spot in the lineup.
Empoli will be without several key players due to injuries. Striker Pietro Pellegri is expected to lead the line after his recent scoring spree. However, Roberto D’Aversa’s squad will miss Szymon Zurkowski, Tyronne Ebuehi, Saba Sazonov, Jacopo Fazzini, and Swiss midfielder Nicolas Haas due to various injuries. Notably, Milan-owned players Devis Vasquez and Lorenzo Colombo are set to face their parent club; Vasquez will start in goal while Colombo will feature up front.
Expected Starting XIs
Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Thiaw, Gabbia, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Morata
Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Anjorin, Henderson, Maleh, Pezzella; Colombo, Pellegri
Match Prediction
Given AC Milan’s strong home record at San Siro and Empoli’s struggles against them historically, the Rossoneri are favored to secure a victory in this encounter. While Empoli has shown resilience this season and could pose challenges for Milan’s defense, it is anticipated that the hosts will prevail with a scoreline of 2-0. The pressure is on Paulo Fonseca to deliver a convincing performance as they aim to end their recent goal drought at home and keep pace with Serie A’s top teams.
Prediction: Milan 2-0 Empoli
