Empoli vs AC Milan Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Tips, February 8, 2025
Get ready for an exciting clash as Empoli takes on AC Milan in a key Serie A match. The game will be hosted at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, also known as the Computer Gross Arena, on February 8, 2025. The kickoff is set for 17:00 local time. This match is crucial, with both sides eager to earn points for different reasons. AC Milan is 8th in the table with 35 points. They’re keen to push for a European spot, following their recent 1-1 draw with Inter Milan. On the other hand, Empoli is struggling in 16th place with 21 points. Their recent 4-1 loss to Juventus highlights their defensive issues. Historically, AC Milan has been dominant in this matchup, winning 18 of the last 29 meetings. However, playing at home gives Empoli a chance to upset AC Milan’s quest for late-season form. They recently held Bologna to a 0-0 draw at home, showing grit that could be pivotal.
Empoli vs AC Milan Prediction & Betting Tip
In this battle, current form suggests AC Milan as favorites. Their recent squad boost with Joao Felix adds strength. Empoli has struggled against big teams, making AC Milan likely to win.
| Empoli vs AC Milan Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| AC Milan to win | 1.73 – 1.75 |
With AC Milan’s strong track record and a better squad, they’re expected to win. The odds reflect a comfortable victory for them, capitalizing on Empoli’s defensive weaknesses.
Empoli vs AC Milan Odds
The odds highlight the performance gap, positioning AC Milan as favorites. Their historic success and current form contribute to favorable odds of 1.73 to 1.75 for a Milan win.
| Empoli vs AC Milan Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| AC Milan Win | 1.73-1.75 |
| Draw | 3.50 |
| Empoli Win | 4.80 |
The odds in favor of AC Milan mirror their dominance over Empoli, as well as Empoli’s struggles and league position.
Empoli Team Analysis
Empoli Recent Performance
Empoli’s form is shaky. They’ve had no wins, three losses, and two draws in their last five games. A bright spot was their 1-1 draw with Bologna at home, showing they can hold their ground.
| Empoli Recent Matches | ||
|---|---|---|
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
| Empoli | Juventus | 1-4 |
| Empoli | Bologna | 0-0 |
| Roma | Empoli | 3-0 |
| Empoli | Lazio | 1-1 |
| Inter Milan | Empoli | 2-0 |
Offensively, Empoli has struggled, scoring only five goals in these matches. Their defense hasn’t fared better, conceding 12 goals. Losses to top teams like Juventus and Inter show their challenges.
Empoli Key Players
Key player Sebastiano Esposito is Empoli’s top scorer with eight goals. He poses a significant threat to AC Milan’s defense. Defender Saba Goglichidze is a rising star in the transfer market. Emanuel Quartsin Gyasi offers midfield stability, and goalkeeper Devis Vásquez is crucial defensively. Luca Marianucci holds the defense while Alberto Grassi and Liam Henderson could play key roles in the match.
Empoli Suspensions & Injuries
Empoli faces a tough situation with several injuries.
| Empoli Suspensions & Injuries | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Injury | Return |
| Tyronne Ebuehi | Cruciate Ligament Bane | Season |
| Nicolas Haas | Cruciate Ligament Woes | Season |
| Saba Sazonov | Cruciate Ligament Break | Season |
| Pietro Pellegri | Cruciate Ligament Break | Season |
| Ola Solbakken | Shoulder Injury | Doubtful |
| Tino Anjorin | Muscle Strain | Late Feb |
| Jacopo Fazzini | Muscle Strain | Late Feb |
Key absences include Tyronne Ebuehi and Nicolas Haas, both out for the season. These injuries restrict Empoli’s lineup options.
Empoli Tactics and Formation
Empoli’s coach, Roberto D’Aversa, prefers a defensive 4-3-3 formation. It aims to solidify their defense while using quick counter-attacks. The focus is on midfield stability, looking to create transition opportunities for Quartsin Gyasi. Sebastiano Esposito, in his forward position, will challenge AC Milan’s strong defense. The wingers aim to stretch Milan’s backline. Midfield flexibility allows Empoli to adjust tactics if needed to counter Milan’s pressing. The expected wet pitch conditions might favor quick play changes.
AC Milan Team Analysis
AC Milan Recent Performance
AC Milan’s recent form is steady. They’ve had two wins, one loss, and two draws. Their attacking ability shone in a thrilling 3-2 win over Parma, showcasing their offensive strength.
| AC Milan Recent Matches | ||
|---|---|---|
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
| AC Milan | Dinamo Zagreb | 3-2 |
| AC Milan | Inter Milan | 1-1 |
| Parma | AC Milan | 3-2 |
| AC Milan | Bologna | 2-1 |
| Fiorentina | AC Milan | 1-0 |
Defensively, they’ve been solid, conceding only seven goals in five matches. Under Coach Sergio Conceicao, they’ve strengthened their rearguard.
AC Milan Key Players
Rafael Leão is key for AC Milan, known for his versatility and offensive skills. Christian Pulisic adds to their goal-scoring potential, and new signing Joao Felix brings flair to the team. Fullback Theo Hernandez is essential for both defense and attack. Tijjani Reijnders is a playmaker, and Kyle Walker provides defensive strength. Mike Maignan is a crucial presence in goal.
AC Milan Suspensions & Injuries
AC Milan also deals with injuries:
| AC Milan Suspensions & Injuries | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Injury | Return |
| Alessandro Florenzi | Cruciate Ligament | Mid-April |
| Emerson Royal | Thigh Strain | Mid-February |
| Ruben Loftus-Cheek | Hamstring Issue | Doubtful |
Injuries might lead to youth involvement or tactical reshuffling. Despite the challenges, AC Milan uses their squad depth to maintain performance.
AC Milan Tactics and Formation
AC Milan often plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Sergio Conceicao. This setup emphasizes a strong defensive base with quick offensive transitions. Central control is key, with Theo Hernandez making overlapping runs. Their aggressive pressing disrupts opponent gameplay, enabling counter-attacks led by Rafael Leão and supported by Pulisic and Felix. Set-pieces are critical to their strategy against Empoli’s defense.
Empoli vs AC Milan Head-to-Head Statistics
AC Milan has dominated past meetings, winning four of the last five games. This, paired with their tactical prowess, places them in a favorable position.
| Empoli vs AC Milan Head-to-Head | |
|---|---|
| Date | Result |
| 30/11/2024 | AC Milan 3-0 Empoli |
| 10/03/2024 | Empoli 0-1 AC Milan |
| 23/10/2023 | AC Milan 2-1 Empoli |
| 13/02/2023 | Empoli 0-1 AC Milan |
| 05/11/2022 | AC Milan 2-2 Empoli |
Historically, AC Milan scores more than two goals per match against Empoli. This trend supports strategic insights for coaches.
Venue and Weather
The Stadio Carlo Castellani, with seating just under 17,000, creates an intimate setting for Serie A action. Light rain is in the forecast, meaning a fast-paced match on a slick field. The temperature will be around 11.89°C with winds at 4.7 m/s. These conditions suit AC Milan’s passing game, while Empoli must adapt. Despite potential challenges, the weather is conducive for an exciting match.
