Empoli vs AC Milan

Empoli are against the ropes this week as they play host to AC Milan at the Stadio Carlo Castellani in round 27 of Serie A. It will be their second match at home in 7 days and they cannot afford to lose again. Meanwhile, Milan are coming off of a disappointing draw at home and will be looking to recover those dropped points against Empoli.

Empoli come into this contest in 17^th place of the Serie A table with 25 points for the season. This leaves them just 1 point ahead of 18^th place Catania who currently occupy a slot in the relegation zone of the table. Empoli are just behind 16^th place Parma on goal difference. Last week the side managed by Malesani dropped a terrible match at home by a score of 0-2 to Siena, a direct rival in their battle to avoid relegation. It was their second straight loss following an encouraging 3 match win streak and what is most disconcerting is that Empoli have not been able to score a goal over those last two matches. This week Mchedlidze and Pozzi are out injured while Moro and Marzoratti will sit out suspended. The positive news is that Raggi returns to the back line while Saudati will be able to start upfront in Malesani’s 4-2-3-1.

AC Milan also suffered a frustrating result at home in week 26 when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by SS Lazio at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. The point at home gives them 43 for the year and leaves them in 5^th place, 4 points back of 4^th place Fiorentina and 4 ahead of 6^th place Udinese. The rossoneri have now drawn 2 matches in a row and 4 of their last 5 to go along with 1 win. This week the side managed by Carlo Ancelotti will once again be missing a number of players to injury including Dida, Ronaldo, Clarence Seedorf, Cafu, Serginho, Nesta and Jankulovski. In addition, Gennaro Gattuso will be sitting out due to suspension. These absences would be enough to cripple most sides but Milan do have a lot of depth and that will be on display in the form of Ambrosini, Gilardino, Pato and the returning Kaka’ who has been out as well due to injury.

This is a huge match for Empoli as every remaining home match is a must win. The smallest slip up could see them drop into the relegation zone and Malesani will have his side prepared for a final type atmosphere. However, AC Milan have actually played better away from home this season with 7 wins and 3 draws from 13 matches. They should be good enough to hold out for at least a point.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)