EMPOLI v AC MILAN: TIME MACHINE

After the international break, AC Milan's quest for the top spot starts again at Empoli, a ground where the Rossoneri have never lost and have retained an unbeaten record to date. Our Time Machine brings back memories of the meeting between the two teams in the 2005/06 season. 

SETTING THE SCENE
The summer of 2005 saw the departure of Tomasson and Crespo, while Gilardino from Parma, Jankulovski from Udinese and Vieri from Inter came into Carletto Ancelotti's squad. AC Milan stumbled in their first two away matches of the year, drawing at Ascoli and losing to Samp, before recovering and stringing together five consecutive victories. The opponent, Somma's Empoli, had collected five solid results in a row and want to continue their form. The absences of Nesta, Maldini, Stam, Ambrosini and Shevchenko stood out in the AC Milan team, while Kaká, Gattuso, Serginho and Inzaghi were on the bench, resting for the upcoming challenge against Juventus, who they were five points ahead. 

IN THE NAME OF GILA
AC Milan flew out the blocks, laying siege to the Tuscans. Empoli appeared in the Rossoneri's half for the first time in the 33rd minute and from Vannucchi's shot there was an unfortunate deflection by Šimić – an own goal to give them the lead. AC Milan were in disarray after the goal and were in danger of conceding a second, but Dida was crucial in stopping Almirón's low shot. The Brazilian's save kept his side alive, and they regained their confidence, finding the equaliser in the final minutes of the half with a goal from Gilardino: Rui Costa passed to Kaladze, who crossed low to the front post where the Rossoneri's striker beat everyone and slotted home past Berti. 

BOBO'S FIRST
The second half began as it had ended, with Gilardino in the spotlight, whose perfectly timed run into the area on Rui Costa's pass ended with a perfect aerial finish, earning a brace, his first for the Rossoneri. Five minutes later, the lead was extended: Seedorf's cross and Vieri's shot left Berti with no chance for the final third goal. For Christian, it was his first ever goal with the Diavolo. Kaká and Gattuso confirmed the win, and AC Milan went on to round off the week with another 3-1 win, at San Siro against Juventus. 

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