After losing to Napoli ahead of the international break, Empoli v AC Milan provides the visitors with the perfect opportunity to get their title defence back on track when they head to the Stadio Carlo Castellani for Serie A Matchday 8 on Saturday night.
The Rossoneri are just three points behind the Neapolitans and Atalanta, but are still outside the Champions League qualification places in fifth position. With the Milanese giants heading to Premier League side Chelsea in that competition the following Wednesday, victory in Tuscany could provide a similar boost for their continental challenge as well.
Empoli v AC Milan: Predicted line-ups
While AC Milan remains without strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee surgery) and Divock Origi (inflammation), coach Stefano Pioli’s biggest challenge is replacing absences at the other end of the pitch. With first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan out with a calf injury and rampaging left-back Theo Hernandez nursing an abductor muscle tear.
However, Empoli tactician Paolo Zanetti will be without his experienced centre-back Lorenzo Tonelli, through a cruciate ligament injury. While summer arrival and former Rossoneri frontman Mattia Destro, has a muscle complaint that is expected to deny him another reunion with his old employers.
Empoli predicted XI v AC Milan (4-3-1-2): Vicario; Stojanovic, Ismajli, Luperto, Parisi; Haas, Bandinelli, Marin; Bajrami; Satriano, Lammers.
AC Milan predicted XI v Napoli (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu, Dest, Tomori, Kalulu, Ballo; Vranckx, Bennacer; Saelemaekers, Diaz, Leao; Giroud.
Empoli v AC Milan: When does the Serie A fixture start?
The Serie A Matchday 8 fixture of Empoli v AC Milan kicks off at 20:45 CEST – local time in Italy – making it a 19:45 kick-off in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
In the United States, kick-off of Empoli v AC Milan is 14:45 ET or 11:45 PT.
Empoli v AC Milan: Where to watch the Serie A fixture?
In the United States, every Serie A game in 2022/23 can be seen on Paramount+, including Empoli v AC Milan and the other standout fixtures of Serie A Matchday 8.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, you can watch Empoli v AC Milan on BT Sport 1.
