Milan 1-2 Empoli: Skorupski masterclass defeats Rossoneri

By Anthony Torgrude -

Milan could not capitalize on the derby comeback and fell to relegation threatened Empoli in what could be the most embarrassing loss of the season.

The match started with Milan receiving the ball at the break and yet the first kick was for Empoli some mere seconds into the game.

Montella does not like to change the line up very often and yet today we saw three changes; one change for each line. Paletta for Romagnoli, Pasalic for Kucka and Lapadula for Bacca. By full-time it certainly would look like the wrong choice.

It was one of the staples of this Milan side that they would fire the first shot on goal. Suso released a powerful shot from roughly 20 yards out but the Empoli keeper had his eyes on the ball and saved it without a problem.

Thirteen minutes in and finally it is not Suso who is taking a shot, as Lapadula hit a powerful shot from inside the box which set the tone for Skorupski’s day. On the opposite end of the pitch a poor pass from Zapata and a lazy mistake from Donnarumma created the first dangerous chance for Empoli.

Just after the half hour mark, the score line was still 0-0. Milan dominated every aspect of the game, while Skorupski continued to be tested.

In the 40th minute, Empoli created chaos in the Milan box, but a crucial block by Zapata lead to a corner kick.

That corner would open the scoring with Empoli taking the lead through Levan Mchedlidze as he converted the set piece.

The second half would begin with a yellow card for the captain, Mattia De Sciglio, who has recently been linked with a move to rivals Juventus.

In the 53rd minute the Empoli goalscorer, Mchedlidze, went down with an injured knee and could not continue.

Just minutes after it would seem Milan will have zero luck as a clear penalty appeal was waved off and Empoli were awarded a goal kick.

Milan were awarded a penalty just minutes later as the in form goalkeeper chose to wrestle his man to the ground, but Suso saw his spot-kick saved to keep the score at 1-0.

Desperation started to sink in as Montella chose to remove Mati Fernandez and bring in Bacca; changing formation to a 4-4-2.

Skorupski continued to show his class with another incredible save, while at the other end Mame Thiam sunk in the second goal of the afternoon as he lashed home Maccarone’s feed to make it 2-0.

Showing even more desperation, the next name to enter the pitch would be Lucas Ocampos, who came on in place of De Sciglio, who was jeered from the field.

With a flash of brilliance and a bit of pent up frustration, Lapadula sunk home a low gliding shot to half the deficit in the closing stages.

Thanks to the goal Milan found some fire to start pushing forward, but Skorupski continued to deny the waves of attack.

One of the rarest things in top flight football was seen when an in-direct free kick was awarded to Milan in the 80th minute, which lead to nothing but confusion from both sides.

The final substitution of the day would be Keisuke Honda in place of a tired looking Suso. Seven minutes were added, but there was to be no heroics this time as Empoli saw out a huge win.

Just to put into perspective how fantastic Skorupski was today, Milan had 42 attacking plays with one goal and Empoli had twelve attacking plays with two goals.

Tags AC Milan Italy Milan Milan Empoli News Rossoneri Serie A
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