TIME MACHINE: ANDERSSON IN EMPOLI v AC MILAN

Empoli v AC Milan is never a dull affair for the Rossoneri. In October 1997, the match was decided by an unexpected player, in what was only the third top-flight meeting, following a Rossoneri win and a draw previously in the 1980s. At the Castellani, the arrival of Claes Andreas Andersson, making his second appearance for the Rossoneri, proved decisive for Coach Capello's team. A first time to relive in our Time Machine.

Having arrived at AC Milan with big expectations, after a convincing start to his career in his homeland, Andersson spent just one season with the Rossoneri before moving to Newcastle. The Swede attracted the attention of AC Milan when he was with Göteborg, where he had had an exceptional season prior. 19 league goals, leading his side to the title, earned him a move to AC Milan in the summer of 1997, one he accepted without thinking twice. His Rossoneri debut wasn't long in the making, coming on in the last half hour of AC Milan v Vicenza, on matchday four, while for his first goal came in the following game, where he gave the fans a massive win.

Empoli v AC Milan, matchday 5 in Serie A 1997/98. Coach Capello's league campaign hadn't started off in the best fashion, following two draws against Piacenza and Lazio, and two shock defeats to Udinese first and then Vicenza at San Siro. The Rossoneri needed a trigger. At the Castellani, Empoli started the stronger, were livelier, with Taibi causing problems. But it was AC Milan who come closest to scoring from Weah's effort that hit the crossbar in the 18th minute. The match was hard-fought with several chances for each side, but the scoreline remained goalless at the break. Andreas replaced Kluivert in the 63rd minute and immediately had a chance but failed to connect well from Ziege's powerfully hit cross in. On 66 minutes, the turning point came: Pagotto was indecisive from Boban's cross and blocked it with his fists, only for Andersson to pounce and converts it home with a head. AC Milan had broken the deadlock, with the Swede not letting up: a few minutes later, he provided an assist to Weah, whose attempt was blocked. The Rossoneri withstood a final onslaught at the end and secured a 1-0 victory. Three points, Andersson's first goal and a first Serie A victory of the season.

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