Milan kept up the pressure on intercity rivals Inter at the top of the Serie A table with a confident 4-2 win over Empoli last night.
The Rossoneri, despite their injury crisis, took home a comfortable three points away to the Tuscan side, with Franck Kessie netting the opening goal after only 12 minutes. Nedim Bajrami tied things up six minutes later, but the Ivorian midfielder put the Milanese club back ahead just before half time.
Second half goals from Alessandro Florenzi and Theo Hernandez were enough to secure the three points, even with a late consolation goal for Empoli scored by Andrea Pinamonti.
Milan enter the Christmas break sitting second in the Serie A table, four points behind local rivals and league leaders Inter. The two teams will meet soon after the break on February 6, a derby that could prove decisive in the title race this season.
Pioli’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 7
Tuttosport: 6.5
Corriere dello Sport: 7
Kessie’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 7.5
Tuttosport: 7.5
Corriere dello Sport: 8
Kessie did well, finally! Diaz is back to being pushed off the ball way too easily, similar to previous seasons, so he can barely influence the game anymore… if Kessie can play in this role a bit, and do it well, that’s great!
@Michael the problem is, Kessie and Bennacer is going to African Cup and Milan will try to depend on Brahim/Krunic and Bakayoko when the two of them gone for a while. Also just like what we predict, Kessie will be gone next season, so Milan need to find a dependable attacking midfielder next season. Unless Brahim can find his performances again.
Kessié did well but more importantly took his chances with two very well taken strikes, so credit where credit is due, though I believe Saelemaekers was our best player. He hand a hand in all four goals.