Stefano Pioli puts beating Empoli top of his to-do list in ‘big week’ for Milan

Stefano Pioli insists AC Milan’s focus in a “big week” is firmly on their opening test against Serie A strugglers Empoli.

Milan visit 19th-placed Empoli on Sunday ahead of two home games, the midweek Coppa Italia quarter-final against Atlanta and next weekend’s league showdown with Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

“It is definitely a big week with two league games and the Coppa Italia quarter-finals,” Milan manager Pioli said at his pre-match press conference.

Coach Pioli on…

Winning mentality Improving performances Young prospects #EmpoliMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/a0b1hKKlxw

— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 6, 2024

“We are focused on the clash with Empoli. We want to do well in the league, we can win points but we have to perform well on the pitch.

“If we manage to pick up winning performances for a longer period, we will have overcome the momentary difficulties.

“Choices have been made given the aim of starting a balanced XI.

“The Coppa Italia (Tuesday’s 4-1 home win over Cagliari) gave some very young players a chance, they debuted because they have the quality to play with us, not out of necessity.

“We are fully focused on Empoli, after which we will have two days to work out what choices to make against Atalanta.”

Milan are unbeaten in five games in all competitions – four wins and a draw – since losing at Atalanta on December 9.

But the Rossoneri are 12 points adrift of league leaders Inter, albeit they do have a game in hand on their city rivals.

Milan need to address poor form on the road which has seen them fail to claim a Serie A win away from San Siro for three months.

Pioli said: “We made some errors that have stopped us from winning games when we could have done. We are working on resolving them.

“This is one of the elements that has punished us thus far, we clearly need to do better in the second half of the season.

“Winning (at Empoli) is the only thing that matters. Bringing home three important points means that you have put things back together.”

Nigeria striker Samuel Chukwueze has left for the Africa Cup of Nations, while fellow forward Noah Okafor remains out with a thigh injury sustained against Monza last month.

Pioli said: “I am lucky to have two centre-forwards like Olivier (Giroud) and Luka (Jovic), formation choices are never definitive because games can also be decided by coming on from the bench.

“My hope is that both of them will keep playing like this, remaining two key elements of the offensive line.

“Okafor will be available from the game against Roma and he will complete our roster, we have various personalities and resources up front.

“The directors are working in the market and they will be ready should any opportunities present themselves.”