AC Milan vs Empoli prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-04-06 19:00.
AC Milan were rampant in a stunning 4-0 win over Serie A (SA) runaway leaders Napoli last Sunday, ending a four-game (D2, L2) winless competitive run. While that should spark confidence for the rest of the season, manager Stefano Pioli warned āitās just one gameā as he aims to stay focused on two competitions. A win against Empoli will keep the pressure on second-placed Lazio, although Pioli could already have one eye on their Champions League quarter finals first-leg next week against Napoli!
The hosts have a chance to make it five straight SA H2H wins for the first time in their history after a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in October, which incidentally occurred after a game against Napoli. With six wins out of their last nine SA home matches (D2, L1) scoring 2+ goals on seven occasions, the Rossoneri could be warming San Siro for the bigger battle ahead.
Empoli will hope to take advantage of a potentially distracted Milan as they travel with a 12-point cushion above the relegation zone after a 1-0 win over Lecce last matchday halted a four-game losing streak. Coach Paolo Zanetti celebrated the three points and hinted that they āwant to make a good impressionā here, aiming for just their fourth win in a 16th away competitive H2Hs (D1, L11).
The visitors had won at this venue earlier in February against Inter Milan (1-0) but failed to build upon that victory, losing three of their next four away league games (D1). Including those four, Empoli have conceded the last match goal in ten of their last 14 away league games, a tendency that could come back to bite them again here.
Players to watch: Milanās Rafael LeĆ£o scored a brace against Napoli and assisted the opener whilst netting the last goal in the reverse H2H. On loan from ACās rivals Inter, Empoliās MartĆn Satriano could make it a memorable āhome comingā as his two SA goals have come in away matches.
Hot stat: Five of Empoliās last seven away SA games produced exactly one first half goal.