Milan are expected to unleash Gianluca Lapadula for this trip to deeply disappointing Empoli.
The Tuscans are just one place above the relegation zone and have failed to find the net in nine of the last 10 games. Vincenzo Montella’s Rossoneri, on the other hand, are sitting pretty in joint second place with Roma and it would’ve been an even stronger position had Ivan Perisic not sealed a 2-2 derby draw in stoppages.
The home side come into this fixture following a 4-0 home loss to a rampant Fiorentina, a result that they will be determined to put to bed this weekend. Being so close to danger means that they will have to make a few more risks during games. Suddenly the memory of that shock 4-0 triumph over Pescara is fading fast.
Milan really missed Alessio Romagnoli in the Derby della Madonnina and he remains a doubt to feature with that muscular problem picked up on international duty. If he’s out again, then Gustavo Gomez is expected to deputise.
Carlos Bacca has been firing blanks for the last six rounds and with a knock sustained against Inter too, the Colombian is expected to sit this one out. Lapadula is fired up and raring to go, especially as his physicality and work-rate could be crucial in a match like this.
Milan should win this game with their attacking power, but Empoli have already held Roma to a goalless draw at the Stadio Castellani and will feel there’s nothing stopping them from doing that again.
Historically this hasn’t been a great venue for the Rossoneri, who have drawn three of their last four visits. Riccardo Saponara will feel he has a point to prove, having flopped during his brief spell at San Siro, but has been surprisingly off form this season, much like the entire Empoli squad.
Keep an eye on: Gustavo Gomez (Milan) – The centre-back was given the tough task of filling in for the influential Romagnoli against Inter, but he did a good job alongside Gabriel Paletta. He could be the key defender this weekend, and has shown that he can be a good deputy when needed.
Form Guide: Empoli (L W D L D) Milan (D W W L W)
Last Season: Empoli 2-2 Milan
Stat Fact: Empoli have only managed to beat Milan once in the past 11 years. It was a 1-0 win at San Siro in 2007.
Top Tip: Gianluca Lapadula to score in the second half.
Empoli (probable): Skorupski; Veseli, Bellusci, A Costa, Pasqual; Krunic, Diousse, Croce, Saponara; Pucciarelli, Maccarone
Suspended: None
Milan (probable): Donnarumma; Abate, Paletta, Gomez, De Sciglio; Kucka, Locatelli, Bonaventura; Suso, Lapadula, Niang
Suspended: None