AC MILAN v EMPOLI: THE BRIEFING

AC Milan host Empoli on matchday 28 in Serie A. It is a fixture to not slip up in and provide some consistency following recent successes over Lazio and Slavia Praha, against an opponent not to be underestimated. The Azzurri have stepped things up with Nicola in the dugout, and are coming off the back of two consecutive away victories. Therefore, full attention and concentration, will be needed as well as not being influenced by the 3-0 win away from home in early January. Let's take a look at three potential turning points for the game at San Siro on Sunday at 15:00 CET.

PATIENCE BUT ALSO COURAGE AND ENTERPRISE
As the pitch often shows us, AC Milan and Empoli's attitude and intentions are rather predictable on the eve of the match. Coach Pioli's team will control tempo and possession by camping many players in the attacking half of the pitch, while we can expect the Tuscans to sit back and look for the counter. It won't be easy to surprise Nicola's compact defensive unit without leaving themselves open on the break, but the Rossoneri only need one episode to get things moving, as seen recently in the Europa League. AC Milan will have to be patient and persist in trying to unlock the opponent's defensive block, and to do so they will need to count on the enterprise and quality of the individual: one-on-ones, quick link-up exchanges and sudden bursts of acceleration. Regardless of the starting eleven, the courage to risk something and the desire to make an impact must not be lacking.

OKAFOR AND COMPANY FROM THE OFF
Making an impact: the Rossoneri have scored 13 goals from players coming off the bench this league campaign, but this time - due to some absentees and inevitable rotation - it could be up to those, who have so far affected the outcome of a match in progress, to try to do the same from the first minute. Rafa Leão is suspended, and Pulisic and Giroud, who have often dragged the team along, may well be rested. Okafor, Chukwueze and Jović could start up top and are much more than just resources when needed. The Serbian returns from suspension and in 2024 has already impressed when starting against Frosinone and Stade Rennais. The Swiss player was the match winner at the Olimpico and wants to give Pioli some selection headaches, as does the Nigerian. It is a big chance for all three; now is the moment to show one's worth.

ATTACKING FORCES
Coach Pioli has often repeated it, the mentality of this AC Milan side is to try to score more than the opponent, while accepting they might risk something defensively. The 1-0 win at the Olimpico was the exception and AC Milan v Slavia Praha reconfirmed the team's character, while the perfect combination came in the first leg: three goals and a clean sheet. To achieve a great finale to the season, finding togetherness and solidity must be the first objective, and the midfielders, who have the most impact in scoring areas,  will have to take on a primary role. Against Empoli, the first test will be to protect Maignan effectively and properly support the central players, also in light of the match in Prague, which promises to be lively. The contribution of former player, Ismaël Bennacer, will play a key role: the Algerian will have the task of dictating the play and blocking the way for Empoli's two attacking midfielders and number one dangers, Cambiaghi and Żurkowski.

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