As the Serie A season enters a critical phase, Empoli prepare to host AC Milan at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday evening. This match holds significant implications for both sides, with Milan looking to reignite their top-four aspirations and Empoli fighting to avoid relegation.
AC Milan enter this fixture on the back of a successful cup run, having secured a place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Roma. However, their league form has been inconsistent, leaving them in 8th place and struggling to keep pace with the Champions League qualification spots. The Rossoneri’s recent 1-1 draw against rivals Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina highlighted their competitive spirit but also underscored the gap they need to close in the league table.
Empoli, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position, sitting just one point above the relegation zone. The Azzurri have endured a difficult start to 2025, remaining winless and suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Juventus in their last outing. Their home form has been particularly concerning, with only one league victory at the Castellani all season.
The historical head-to-head record heavily favors AC Milan. Empoli have failed to score in their last four encounters with the Rossoneri and has lost seven of their last eight meetings. Moreover, Empoli have never recorded a top-flight victory over Milan at the Stadio Castellani in 32 attempts, adding to the challenge they face this weekend.
Team News
AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao has several decisions to make regarding his lineup. New signings Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez made impactful debuts off the bench in the cup victory and could be in line for more substantial roles. Gimenez, in particular, arrives with an impressive goal-scoring record from his time at Feyenoord and will compete with Tammy Abraham for the starting striker position.
The Rossoneri will be without injured trio Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Emerson Royal, and Alessandro Florenzi, but recent acquisitions Riccardo Sottil and Warren Bondo are available for selection. With a crucial Champions League playoff on the horizon, Conceicao may opt for some rotation to keep his squad fresh.
Empoli face significant injury concerns, with Ola Solbakken, Pietro Pellegri, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, and Tyronne Ebuehi all sidelined. Tino Anjorin, Jacopo Fazzini, and Ardian Ismajli face late fitness tests, while Youssef Maleh is suspended following his red card against Juventus. On a positive note, Mattia Viti has returned to training and could bolster the defense.
The home side is likely to rely on the partnership of Sebastiano Esposito and Lorenzo Colombo in attack. Colombo, on loan from Milan, has netted five times this season and is on the verge of setting a new personal best in Serie A.
Expected Starting XIs
Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Viti, De Sciglio; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Cacace, Pezzella; Esposito, Colombo
Milan: Maignan; Walker, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Musah, Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Gimenez, Leao
Match Prediction
Given AC Milan’s superior quality and Empoli’s struggles at home, the visitors are favoured to secure a victory. Milan’s tendency to improve in the second half of matches this season could be a decisive factor. While Empoli may put up initial resistance, Milan’s attacking firepower and depth should ultimately prove too much for the hosts to handle.
Prediction: Empoli 0- 2 AC Milan
