AC Milan - Empoli predictions and free betting tips [10/03/2024]

Today within matchday 28 of the Italian Serie A, AC Milan will host Empoli on home ground. The Rossoneri earned a hard-fought victory over Lazio following their triumphant 4:2 win against Prague Slavia, meanwhile, the Tuscan side suffered their first defeat in the previous seven matches

AC Milan 

Despite an early exit from the Scudetto race this season, Milan is still in a favourable position to enter the Champions League. The Lombards hold the 3rd place in Serie A, having created a 9-point gap from fifth-placed Roma. After nine unbeaten rounds, the Rossoneri were surprisingly overwhelmed by Monza (4:2) three weeks ago. Steffano Pioli's charges then managed a 1:1 draw with Atalanta and celebrated a late 1:0 victory over Lazio last weekend, thanks to a late strike from Noah Okafor. Last week, Milan thrashed Prague Slavia at home in the first leg of Europa League round of 16 (4:2). An intriguing fact: a win this weekend will allow Pioli to accumulate 350 points as AC Milan's manager and will render him the second head coach in the club’s history to achieve this milestone in this century, following Carlo Ancelotti (557). 

It's worth noting that since December, only the leading Inter team has accumulated more points and netted more goals in Serie A than the home side. AC Milan is still plagued with injuries, with midfielder Pobega and defender Caldara sidelined. Additionally, key winger Leao and experienced full-back Florenzi are suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Jovic's return from suspension is certainly a positive note. As Leao (4 goals and 7 assists) is unavailable, Swiss international Okafor (5 goals) could get the nod, alongside Pulisic (7 goals and 6 assists) and Giroud (12 goals and 8 assists) - the two main attacking weapons of the Rossoneri. Club captain Davide Calabria is back at right-back, while veteran Simon Kjaer will be given a rest.

Empoli

Empoli is currently battling against relegation this season, holding a modest 15th position in Serie A, just two points above the drop zone. After a long spell in the relegation area, Empoli demonstrated brilliant form in February, going unbeaten for six matches (3 wins and 3 draws). Unfortunately for their fans, Azzurri returned to their losing ways last weekend as they suffered a 1:0 loss to direct rivals Cagliari, despite support from the tifosi. Empoli's home record remains the second-worst in Serie A, however, the team has started accumulating points on their travels in recent weeks. After five away games without a win, they recently conquered Salernitana and Sassuolo - two contenders for survival.
Fun fact: Empoli last won three consecutive top-flight road matches back in 2016. Grassi (midfielder) and Caputo (forward) continue to be sidelined due to injuries, but there are no other personnel issues. Attacking midfielder Zurkowski (4 goals in 6 matches) joined this winter and has quickly settled in - his inclusion in the starting XI at San Siro would be unsurprising. Experienced M'Baye Niang (3 goals and 1 assist in 4 matches), another January signing, remains a pivotal figure for Empoli upfront despite always commencing from the bench – this Sunday he'll contest with Alberto Cerri and Mattia Destro for the right to start in the centre of the offence.

Head-to-Head

Empoli has managed only one victory from their last 14 encounters with AC Milan in the league and has not won for nearly seven years. This season's first round match ended in a humiliating 0:3 defeat for Empoli.

Prediction for the match AC Milan - Empoli

A deep squad allows Pioli to rotate for different tournaments so the forthcoming clash with Empoli should pose no problems for the Rossoneri. Under Davide Nicola, Azzurri have significantly improved their performances, yet expecting points at San Siro would be a tad adventurous. Moreover, historically, the visitors have struggled against AC Milan in recent years. Consequently, I'm placing my bet on a comfortable win (-1 handicap) for the favourites.