Week 14: Empoli – Milan

Follow the game as it happens, on the forum.

Week 13 and the latest edition of the Milan derby didn’t end the way Milan fans hoped but the point earned in the 2-2 tie is nevertheless valuable. Inter enjoyed the bulk of the possession and Milan could be faulted for sitting back a bit allowing the very late Inter tying goal. However, Suso’s value was enhanced and his two goals added to his status.

Romagnoli’s presence was missed in the derby and while declared fit he might not be risked vs the weak offence of Empoli. The Tuscan team have scored only 6 times in 13 Serie A games and only two of those at home. The low return may mean little however as players like Massimo Maccarone have a habit of raising their game vs Milan. Empoli also feature Milan owned Jose Mauri but he hasn’t featured regularly since being loaned there.

Surprisingly indications are that Montella is making other changes and rotating the squad. Bacca is an enforced one – to be replaced by Lapadula – after picking up an injury late in the derby but reports also say that the starting midfield will feature both Pasalic and Mati Fernandez in place of Kucka and Bonaventura. The latter may be pushed forward with Niang also not starting.

The back four will likely remain the same as the derby with a slight chance of Antonelli replacing De Sciglio.