AC Milan secured a 3-0 win over Empoli on Sunday, as we started 2024 in Serie A in positive fashion with a convincing victory.
Goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Olivier Giroud [penalty] and Chaka Traore ensured we returned home with all three points, as the Rossoneri built on our midweek Coppa Italia win.
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Although we controlled possession and looked in command for the most part, we did drop off in the second half as we looked to see out the game, but ultimately there was good management from Stefano Pioli too as he integrated others and got them valuable minutes.
Milan will hope to extend this good form with a difficult week ahead, as we firstly face Atalanta in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night before hosting Roma in a crunch league encounter on Sunday.
AC Milan player ratings vs Empoli:
Mike Maignan, 6 – Didn’t have much to do in terms of having to make a decisive impact on the game, but was alert to danger and commanded his area when needed.
Davide Calabria, 6 – Poor tackle that earned him a yellow card, but tenacious and energetic as ever. Did better in the first half with his attacking impetus down the right side, but a solid shift overall.
Simon Kjaer, 6 – Strong effort from the veteran who used his experience and composure well to keep things organised and read danger when it came his way. Replaced in the latter stages as we looked to shore things up.
Theo Hernandez, 6.5 – Another positive performance in central defence, as he showed good awareness and understanding as he continues to adapt to the position. Did well to push forward at times still too, and there is obviously growing faith in his ability there as he remained in that role despite the Florenzi injury where a reshuffle could have shifted him back across to his more natural role.
Alessandro Florenzi, 6 – Did his job well as he kept things tight on that side of the backline, but unfortunately was forced off just after the half-hour mark with an injury.
Yacine Adli, 6.5 – Did well for the most part in helping us control possession and set the tempo with his passing and technical ability. Slightly unruffled when facing a more intense press, but a positive influence in our midfield play.
Tijjani Reijnders, 6.5 – Another smart display from the Dutchman, as he has great intelligence and awareness on the pitch to make the right decisions on his positioning and movements. Played an important role in the win.
Christian Pulisic, 6.5 – Did well at the end with his break on the counter attack which eventually led to an assist for Traore’s goal. Quiet despite Milan dominating for long periods though, as he had one effort well saved but didn’t threaten with too much else.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 7 – A wonderful finish to break the deadlock as he did well to get himself into a dangerous area, keep his composure and tuck the ball into the back of the net. Won the penalty for our second, and was an important physical presence throughout.
Rafael Leao, 6.5 – Excellent assist for the opener as he showed great pace and directness to beat his man before slowing himself down to provide the ideal pass. Still not quite at his consistent best, but good signs in this one.
Olivier Giroud, 6.5 – Superb penalty as he ended his goal drought and made an important impact, and although his touch wasn’t always perfect, he did well at times to link play together and keep our rhythm in attack.
Substitutes:
Alex Jimenez, 6.5 – Still learning his way and clear areas for improvement, but another promising contribution as although he didn’t come under too much pressure, he did well in both phases when involved.
Yunus Musah, 6 – Good to see him back, and important shift to get minutes and build his fitness back up.
Davide Bartesaghi, 6 – Did his job well for the most part in the latter stages to help us see out the win.
Chaka Traore, 6.5 – Not on long, but showed great desire to support Pulisic on the counter attack for his goal, and produced a fine finish to wrap up the win.
Matteo Gabbia, N/A