EMPOLI v AC MILAN: KEYS TO THE MATCH

After the international break, it's time for Stefano Pioli's Rossoneri to turn their attention back to the league. The upcoming fixtures offer an away match in Empoli, on matchday 8 of Serie A. Zanetti's team are fresh from their victory over Bologna, while the Rossoneri will have the chance to return to form after their home defeat against Napoli. There are numerous tactical challenges that this game has to offer, as well as the variables that could decide it. Let's try to analyse the possible keys to the match.

THE PENETRATION OF THE ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS
From Andreazzoli's Empoli to Zanetti's Empoli, the Tuscans have kept the tactical line-up intact, with some changes. The Azzurri's 4-3-1-2 relies heavily on the work and creativity of their attacking midfielders. Bajrami and Henderson have the task of linking the midfield to the two attackers, building chances without giving the opponent's defence a chance. For AC Milan, Pioli's choice to deploy Franck Kessie behind Giroud proved decisive in the match at the Castellani last season. The Ivorian scored a brace as well as guaranteeing the usual creativity he provides, and was mystery to the Tuscan defence, who failed to take the right measures against him. In the same match, Bajrami also found the net, scoring the goal to briefly make it 1-1. Pioli will be able to choose between De Ketelaere, Díaz and Adli, each with different characteristics, to be try and exploit the defence. Freedom to create and move around the pitch, or more tactical and defensive tasks, is the choice that the two coaches will make in selecting their respective attacking midfield, and may prove crucial.

THE OVERLAPPING FULL-BACKS
Full-backs and wing-backs are fundamental, almost irreplaceable elements in Pioli's side. 4-2-3-1 on one side, 4-3-1-2 on the other. For AC Milan, it will be important to create a numerical advantage on the wings, exploiting the overlaps and thrust of their full-backs. With Theo Hernández absent, Ballo-Touré should be the choice to replace the Frenchman, who will have to be able to guarantee the same energy as the Rossoneri's number 19, helping to give freedom to Rafa Leão's offensive vigour. Empoli can also count on considerable strength on the flanks. On the left, the presence of Fabiano Parisi stands out, the leading figure of an important start to the season during which he also found the net against Lecce, with an unstoppable run down the left side of the pitch. Parisi is also the player with the most successful dribbles in this Serie A, so it will be important for Calabria to have the help of Messias and Saelemaekers, while a high centre of gravity could limit the Azzurri full-back's runs.

CHALLENGE BETWEEN GOALKEEPERS
The goalkeepers have often proved decisive for the two sides. The first seven games have introduced a new face at Empoli. Compared to last season, ending with the third-worst defence in the league, the Azzurri seem to have found solidity, as demonstrated by conceding just 7 goals so far. On the other hand, AC Milan have conceded eight goals in their first seven league games. The Rossoneri will have to go without Mike Maignan, who is injured and will be replaced by Ciprian Tătărușanu. The Romanian goalkeeper, making his debut this season, has always proved reliable when called upon, and yet another test in his long career is coming up for him. Empoli, on the other hand, can rely on Gugliemo Vicario, who has been more than solid on numerous occasions this Serie A season. Among others, Rossoneri fans' memories also lead to Maignan's intervention on Luperto, decisive in the 1-0 final of the San Siro match in March 2022. Leading the defence and stopping the opponents' attack is an essential task entrusted to the two teams' goalkeepers, and they will prove to be a decisive factor once again.

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