Prediction: Empoli vs AC Milan

Verdict: AC Milan

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Serie A table, AC Milan will make the trip to a struggling Empoli on Sunday lunchtime.

Empoli

Starting with the hosts, while Empoli might have eventually cruised their way to Serie A safety last season, the Blues are enduring a major top-flight struggle this season. Putting in another toothless performance as they signed off 2023 with a 0-0 stalemate against Cagliari, Aurelio Andreazzoli’s side are rightfully tipped as a leading relegation contender this year. Battling it out in the drop zone and knowing they face another monumental challenge on Sunday afternoon, the Azzurri are without a win from any of their previous six Serie A appearances. Putting just 13 points on the board this season, Empoli should also be concerned by their continued issues on home soil. Last seen at the Stadio Carlo Castellani slumping to a routine 2-0 defeat against Lazio, Andreazzoli’s men have recorded just a sole win from any of their first 10 showdowns in front of their own supporters so far this season.

Team News

Not making a single appearance since the end of September, Empoli will once again be unable to call upon former Atalanta defender Giuseppe Pezzella this weekend. Likewise, not featuring in any of the Blues’ last three Serie A outings, Andreazzoli’s side are still sweating over the fitness of Poland international Bartosz Bereszynski.

Although 36-year-old Grancesco Caputo might have notched just a trio of Serie A strikes this season, the ex-Sampdoria striker will spearhead Empoli’s charge on Sunday afternoon. AC Milan loanee Daniel Maldini could feature against his parent club here.

AC Milan

As for the visitors, signing off 2023 with a real flurry, AC Milan will simply be looking to open the New Year with another Serie A statement. Last seen putting in a rampant performance as they stormed to a 4-1 victory against Cagliari, the Italian icons have now collected 13 points from their previous five appearances across all competitions. Desperate to make up some ground in the title chase this weekend, Stefano Pioli’s men have also found a real clinical edge in the final third. Notching 12 strikes on their five-match flurry, AC Milan should also be excited by a stellar record against Sunday’s hosts. Along with winning back-to-back trips to the Stadio Carlo Castellani by an aggregate score of 7-3, the Rossoneri have lost just a single showdown against Empoli since way back in October 2007. Despite showing some recent issues on the road, Pioli’s side are rightfully tipped as a standout contender here.

Team News

Still dealing with a stacked injury list, AC Milan will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Malick Thiaw, Tommaso Pobega, Marco Sportiello, Yunus Musah, Noah Okafor and England international Fikayo Tomori this weekend.

Notching eight Serie A strikes this season, French international Olivier Giroud will certainly be handed a full recall on Sunday afternoon. Bagging a first domestic goal since September 23rd against Cagliari last week, Rafael Leao will partner Giroud in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• AC Milan have collected 13 points from their previous five Serie A appearances against Empoli.
• Likewise, Sunday’s guests have collected back-to-back victories at the Stadio Carlo Castellani by an aggregate score of 7-3.
• AC Milan have notched 12 strikes on their five-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
• Empoli have recorded just a single win from any of their first 10 home fixtures across all competitions.
• Likewise, the Azzurri have failed to find the net in any of their last three appearances against Serie A opposition.

Conclusion

Signing off 2023 with a real flurry and collecting 13 points from their last five appearances across all competitions, AC Milan will certainly be smelling another golden opportunity here. Looking to cash in on an Empoli squad who find themselves at the heart of a Serie A relegation scrap, Sunday’s guests will also be excited by a rampant record against the Azzurri. Winning their last two trips to the Stadio Carlo Castellani by an aggregate score of 7-3, we are expecting a similar away victory this weekend.

Verdict: AC Milan win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet