Week 33: Milan – Empoli

Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.

Week 32 featured a big match, the derby of course, and start of a new era with a new Chinese ownership. New era has heralded new hope for a return to the heights of the European game. While questions remained and remain as to the viability and ability of the new ownership to deliver on promises of massive investment the players on the pitch delivered an exciting tie vs Inter. Zapata with the very last minute equalizer kept Milan ahead of the city rivals. Earlier Romagnoli had reduced Inter’s 2-0 first half lead. The come back for a tie was a good omen for the new era, perhaps.

Empoli – and next week Crotone – present easier on paper opposition. Easier on paper hasn’t always meant anything for Milan and three points will remain difficult. Empoli sit just outside of the Serie A relegation zone and are coming off a very big win vs Fiorentina in week 32. They will surely be motivated to finish the season off strong.

No changes are expected in the line up, although Pasalic who was suspended for the Inter match may return to the starting line up and play alongside Sosa and Mati Fernandez in midfield. The midfield also now welcomes back captain Montolivo after a long injury lay off. The front three will remain unchanged as well. Deulofeu and Suso will play with Bacca. The latter may be nudged out in the summer transfer window however, as Milan try a new look offence. Plenty of expensive names are being linked to replace the Colombian. Whether the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Andrea Belotti are realistic targets remains to be seen.

In defense Calabria, Zapata and Romagnoli and De Sciglio will likely remain constant till the end of the season, barring injury of course. The push for a Europa League spot is on.