AC Milan vs Empoli - Predictions 7/1/2024

This Sunday, January 7th, Empoli will host AC Milan at Stadio Carlo Castellani in a Serie A showdown between two clubs trending in opposite directions this season.

Empoli Struggling in Relegation Zone

Empoli have endured a miserable campaign, currently sitting dead last in the Serie A table with just 11 points through 18 matches. The Azzurri have only managed 3 wins all season, with their most recent victory coming over fellow relegation candidates Crotone on December 16.

Manager Giuseppe Iachini has struggled to generate any attacking impetus from his squad, with Empoli netting a paltry 14 goals this term. With leading scorer Antonino La Gumina only notching 3 goals, Empoli lack a consistent scoring threat.

Defensively, Empoli have leaked 30 goals, the second-worst defensive record in Serie A. Without reinforcements in the January transfer window, escaping relegation seems a difficult task for Iachini's men.

AC Milan Riding Momentum in Top 4 Push

In stark contrast to Empoli's struggles, AC Milan have exceeded expectations under manager Gennaro Gattuso. The Rossoneri currently sit 3rd in the table with 35 points, firmly entrenched in the Champions League places.

Milan boast the third best goal differential in Serie A, led by the strike tandem of Gonzalo Higuain and Patrick Cutrone. With Higuain notching 6 goals and Cutrone netting 5, Milan's attack has provided consistent production.

Defensively, Milan have conceded just 19 goals, the 4th fewest in Serie A. Captain Alessio Romagnoli anchors a stout back line that has helped Milan keep 7 clean sheets.

AC Milan Expected to Continue Recent Dominance

Given both teams' form, AC Milan enter Sunday's contest as heavy favorites. The Rossoneri are undefeated in their last 7 Serie A matches across all competitions. Bookmakers give AC Milan a 58% chance to win compared to just 20% for Empoli.

With a Champions League place well within reach, expect Gattuso to field a strong starting XI. Milan should control possession and create multiple goal-scoring chances against Empoli's porous defense.

Barring a monumental upset, AC Milan appear poised to leave Stadio Carlo Castellani with 3 points and their winning streak intact. However, any lapse in concentration could allow the desperate hosts to steal an unexpected result.

Match Stats and Betting Tips

• AC Milan are undefeated in their last 7 Serie A matches across all competitions. They have kept 6 clean sheets in these games.
• Empoli have the second-worst defensive record in Serie A, conceding 30 goals in 18 matches.
• SkyBet has grouped correct scoreline odds of Milan winning 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 at 7/5 odds. This looks a likely outcome given Milan's solid defense and Empoli's struggles.
• Empoli midfielder Filippo Bandinelli has received 4 bookings in his last 8 matches. He is 11/10 odds to be carded against Milan, who lead Serie A in possession and will control the tempo.

Squawka Prediction

Scoreline: AC Milan 2-0 Empoli

Milan's defense should be able to contain Empoli's timid attack, while Gonzalo Higuain and Krzysztof Piątek can grab goals against the league's second-worst defense.

Milan have kept clean sheets in 5 of their last 7 home Serie A matches. Empoli have failed to score in 6 of their last 8 away.

AC Milan vs Empoli: Head to Head

• December 22, 2021 - Empoli 2-4 AC Milan - Serie A
  AC Milan won 4-2 away from home with goals from Kessie, Florenzi, Hernandez and an own goal. Empoli's goals came from Bajrami and Pinamonti.
• February 22, 2019 - AC Milan 3-0 Empoli - Serie A
  AC Milan won comfortably at home with goals from Piatek, Kessie and Castillejo. Empoli failed to score.
• September 27, 2018 - Empoli 1-1 AC Milan - Serie A
  Empoli managed a 1-1 home draw against Milan. Caputo scored for Empoli and Kessie equalized late for Milan.
• April 23, 2017 - AC Milan 1-2 Empoli - Serie A
  Empoli managed an upset away win at the San Siro. Maccarone and Thiam scored for Empoli while Deulofeu scored a consolation goal for Milan.
• November 26, 2016 - Empoli 1-4 AC Milan - Serie A
  AC Milan won an away clash 4-1 with goals from Bacca (2), Paletta and Niang. Pajac scored a late goal for Empoli.

Expect Milan to dominate possession at home and eventually break through for a comfortable 2-0 win to stay top of the table heading into the winter break.