THREE POINTS ON THE ROAD
Serie A
AC Milan continued their Serie A campaign with a 2-0 victory over Empoli on matchday 24. The Rossoneri, coming off a draw in the derby against Inter, found the net in the second half through Rafael Leão and Santiago Gimenez, both assisted by an inspired Christian Pulisic. With this win, AC Milan have moved to 38 points in the standings, solidifying their position in the upper part of the table and keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
The first half was an even affair with few chances for either side. However, after the restart AC Milan capitalised on Marianucci's sending-off (65'), which came after a second booking for Tomori in the 55th minute. Coach Conceição made decisive tactical changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Leão, Pulisic and Giménez, all of whom revitalised AC Milan's attack. Rossoneri fans can look forward to the team's upcoming matches - starting from next Wednesday, when we will be in Rotterdam for our Champions League clash against Feyenoord - with optimism, confident in the team's ability to continue this positive spell.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM EMPOLI v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The first half began with an aggressive Empoli, who hit the post with Colombo in the 34th minute. AC Milan had previously had a chance through Musah in the 12th minute, but Vásquez was in position to save. In the 36th minute, Tomori was booked for a foul on Esposito. Empoli tried to exploit the wings, but the Rossoneri defence held firm. In first-half stoppage time, Henderson received a yellow card for a foul on Hernández. The opening 45 minutes ended 0-0, with few thrills and a game mostly played in midfield.
In the second half, AC Milan shifted gears despite being reduced to ten men after Tomori's second booking. Leão, who entered the fray at the start of the second half, came on and broke the deadlock in the 67th minute with a header from a Pulisic assist. Shortly before the opener, Empoli's Marianucci had been sent off for violent conduct (65'), leaving the hosts with ten men too. In the 75th minute, Giménez doubled the Rossoneri's lead with a precise shot, with Pulisic once again providing the assist. Empoli tried to respond, but the Rossoneri defence was alert and gave their opponents no space. In the final stages, AC Milan managed possession and secured three important points.
MATCH DETAILS
EMPOLI 0-2 AC MILAN
EMPOLI (3-4-2-1): Vásquez; De Sciglio, Marianucci, Viti (28' Goglichidze); Gyasi, Henderson (70' Kouamé), Grassi (81' Bacci), Pezzella; Esposito (80' Konate), Cacace; Colombo (70' Żurkowski). Subs: Seghetti, Silvestri; Fălcușan, Sambia, Tosto; Brayan. Coach: D'Aversa.
AC MILAN (4-4-2): Maignan; Walker, Tomori, Pavlović, Hernández; Musah, Fofana (46' Pulisic), Rejinders (69' Thiaw), Jiménez (46' Leão); Abraham (46' Gimenez), João Félix (84' Terracciano). Subs: Sportiello, Torriani; Bartesaghi, Gabbia; Camarda, Chukwueze, Sottil. Coach: Conceição.
Referee: Pairetto from Nichelino.
Goals: 68' Leão (M), 76' Gimenez (M).
Booked: 18' João Félix (M), 36' Tomori (M), 45'+3 Henderson (E), 62' Grassi (E), 65' Gimenez (M).
Sent-off: 55' Tomori (M) for second booking, 65' Marianucci (E).
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