Milan-Empoli Preview: No Turning Back

Milan are undefeated in all competitions in their last six games. While there were draws with Napoli and Roma in there, that’s still four solid wins, something we’re not accustomed to doing consistently in recent years. With the race for fourth place getting extremely tight, it is more important than ever to keep the victories coming. So although we drew Empoli earlier this season, on Friday, there is no turning back.

Piatek? Cutrone? or both?

Empoli enjoyed a convincing 3-0 home win over Sassuolo on Sunday. For that match, Iachini lined up Dragowski; Veseli, Silvestre, Dell’Orco; Di Lorenzo, Acquah, Bennacer, Krunic, Pasqual; Farias, and Caputo.  Sadly, former Milan player Antonelli will miss this one to a thigh injury, while Polvani is out long term due to injury. If you are the betting type, put your money on Iachini wearing a suit and a baseball hat, it’s a sure thing.

Gattuso will be missing Suso to suspension due to yellow card accumulation. Caldara and Strinic are both in training and expected to be available soon after their long term injuries, but not for this match. Reina and Zapata are both nearly recovered from their recent injuries, but still in doubt for Friday. Bonaventura will be there in spirit, as always, but is still out for the season physically.

No own goals this time, please

One of the biggest factors in this match is Milan’s Coppa Italia match with Lazio coming up on Tuesday. Gattuso may decide to make some changes to his starting 11 if he prioritizes the Coppa Italia match over this one. However, he is not prone to making changes, and the league should still be a priority at this point, given the opportunity we have to make Champions League based on this season.

Given our position on the table and the desire and hunger the club has to achieve at least fourth spot, I expect this match to be taken very seriously by Milan. Given Empoli’s big win last week and their desire to stay clear of the relegation zone, this match will mean everything to them, as well. But Milan have two shiny new players and more momentum, so for them, there is definitely no turning back.

This post inspired by the music of Cigarettes After Sex

Serie A Week 25

Milan vs. Empoli

Friday, February 22 • 20:30 CET (2:30pm EST)

This match can be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.