Milan vs Empoli: Pioli repeats failed experiment

AC Milan host Empoli at the San Siro tonight. Stefano Pioli will repeat the failed attacking midfielder experiment with Franck Kessie.

AC Milan will host Empoli at San Siro, tonight at 20:45 CET. The Rossoneri have found some much needed enthusiasm after the very important win against Napoli. Stefano Pioli’s squad must continue to perform and keep their distance with Inter but Empoli have been one of the pleasant surprises of Serie A this season.

Coach Pioli announced in today’s press conference that Romagnoli and Ibrahimovic are fully recovered and available for Milan vs Empoli. Despite the return of the captain, it will be Pierre Kalulu to start from the first minute alongside Fikayo Tomori. Theo Hernandez is suspended but Pioli has decided to play Alessandro Florenzi rather than Ballo-Toure. Davide Calabria completes the back four.

The Italian coach has decided to repeat the failed experiment with Franck Kessie. Sandro Tonali will form the central duo with Ismael Bennacer while Kessie will be deployed in the attacking midfielder role. Every time Pioli has used Kessie as trequartista the results have not been pleasing but the coach continues to insist, also forced by the recent disappointing performances of Brahim Diaz.

Junior Messias and Rafael Leao will complete the trio in support of Olivier Giroud. The Brazlian offers something more in terms of goals comparted to Alexis Saelemaekers. Giroud who decided the match against Napoli is set to lead the attack once again. Fortunately his injury was not serious.

AC MILAN Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan, Calabria, Tomori, Kalulu, Florenzi, Bennacer, Tonali, Leao, Kessie, Messias, Giroud.

EMPOLI Probable XI (4-3-1-2): Vicario, Stojanovic, Romangoli, Luperto, Parisi, Zurkowvski, Asllani, Bandinelli, Bajrami, Henderson, Pinamonti.

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