AC MILAN v EMPOLI: MATCH PREVIEW

It's a second consecutive rendezvous at San Siro for AC Milan, as they host Empoli for the Matchday 28. A clash between two teams in good form, balancing physical condition and recent results. A match where both contenders will seek crucial points for their respective aims: Champions League qualification for the Rossoneri, survival for the Azzurri. Kick-off is at 15:00 CET, and we're getting closer with our Match Preview.

LATEST FROM MILANELLO
The showdown against the Tuscan side falls amidst the double-legged Europa League clash with Slavia Praha. However, it would be a mistake to directly focus on the game at Eden: Empoli are performing well, and securing maximum points would allow us to solidify the 9-point lead over the fifth place, also eyeing the second position currently held by Juventus. It's plausible to imagine several lineup changes compared to the European fixture, especially considering two suspended players - Florenzi and Leão - and only one injury absence (Pobega). Minutes are anticipated for Tomori in defence and Bennacer in midfield, along with captain Calabria (last starting appearance against Napoli in February) and Okafor fresh off his decisive goal at the Olimpico. Chukwueze and Jović are eager for a starting spot, while three players - Hernández, Loftus-Cheek, and Musah - are on yellow card caution, alongside Mister Pioli.

LATEST FROM EMPOLI
Just over two months have passed since the first leg match at the Castellani, and much has changed for Empoli. Not only with Nicola taking over the reins from Andreazzoli but also in terms of results. Since January 7th, the Tuscan side has garnered 12 points in eight matches, climbing up the table and escaping the relegation zone. The home defeat in the last round against Cagliari interrupted a streak of six consecutive positive results, but in 2024 Empoli has already held Juventus and Fiorentina to draws, proving to be a tough opponent. There are also new faces - compared to two months ago - in the transfer market for the Azzurri, with the arrivals of Żurkowski and former Rossoneri Niang: players who have made an immediate impact, scoring seven goals between them. Since Nicola's arrival in Tuscany, there have been shifts between two tactical formations, opting for either a 3-man defence (especially with 3-4-2-1) or a 4-man setup as seen against Cagliari, a 4-3-2-1 led upfront by another ex-Milan player, Mattia Destro. Empoli has three players on yellow card caution: Fazzini, Maleh, and the injured Grassi.

"When we're talking about a team like AC Milan, strong and with a good coach, it's not easy to identify any weaknesses," said Davide Nicola in his pre-match press conference. "We'll need to play with a lot of energy and organisation in both phases, but we'll also have to show our identity and hunger to continue our progress."

PRE-MATCH NUMBERS

• There have been 31 previous Serie A matches between AC Milan and Empoli, with the balance tilting in favour of the Rossoneri: 19 wins to 3, with 9 draws completing the tally. Moreover, Pioli's side has kept a clean sheet in four of the last six league matches against the Tuscan side, including all the last three played at San Siro.
• Since the beginning of December until now, AC Milan have collected an impressive 30 points, scoring as many goals: the best record in Serie A after Inter. Additionally, AC Milan are three goals away from reaching the milestone of 5000 goals scored in Serie A since the single-round format began in 1929/30.
• The match against Empoli could see Davide Calabria reach 250 appearances in the Rossoneri shirt across all competitions. Furthermore, Pierre Kalulu scored his first goal at San Siro in Serie A against Empoli, and he's expected to return after a long injury lay-off.
• In the event of a victory, Stefano Pioli would surpass the 350-point mark as Milan coach in Serie A (currently at 348). The Rossoneri boss - unbeaten in the last seven league encounters against Empoli - would become the second coach to achieve this milestone with Milan in the three-points-per-win era, following Carlo Ancelotti.

WHERE TO WATCH AC MILAN v EMPOLI
In Italy, the match will be broadcast on DAZN. For viewers outside Italy, they can check the "Where to watch Milan on TV" section under "International". Also, you can follow Milan TV's Matchday coverage which begins at 14:00 CET, leading up to kickoff, followed by interviews and Mister Pioli's press conference. At 14:55 CET, there's also a Live Reaction on AC Milan's Twitch channel. Don't miss the coverage on acmilan.com, AC Milan Official App, and official social media platforms.

LATEST FROM SERIE A
Overseeing the San Siro clash is the 39-year-old Juan Luca Sacchi. He brings 50 Serie A matches under his belt, including three involving Milan: the most recent being the encounter against Udinese on November 4th. Assisting him will be the linesmen Peretti and Pagliardini, fourth official Colombo, VAR Abisso, and AVAR Di Paolo.

Matchday 28 of Serie A commenced on Friday 8 March, with Napoli 1-0 Torino. On Saturday 9 March, four matches were played: Cagliari 4-2 Salernitana, Sassuolo 1-0 Frosinone, Bologna 0-1 Inter, and Genoa 2-3 Monza. Lecce v Hellas Verona kick off at 12:30 CET on Sunday 10 March, followed by Milan v Empoli at 15:00 CET, Juventus v Atalanta at 18:00 CET, and Fiorentina v Roma at 20:45 CET. Matchday 28 concludes with Lazio v Udinese on Monday 11 March, at 20:45 CET.

Here's the current league table: Inter* 75; Juventus 57; AC Milan 56; Bologna* 51; Roma 47; Atalanta 46; Napoli* 44; Fiorentina 42; Lazio 40; Monza* 39; Torino* 38; Genoa* 33; Cagliari* 26; Lecce and Empoli 25; Udinese and Frosinone* 24; Sassuolo* and Hellas Verona 23; Salernitana* 14. (* = one match more)

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