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