April 08, (THEWILL) – Empoli held Milan to a goalless draw on Friday, leaving the Rossoneri’s top-four hopes hanging in the balance.
The hosts were hoping to capitalise on Inter Milan’s slip up earlier in the day, but Empoli’s stubborn defence prevented Milan from finding the back of the net, despite several chances, including a disallowed late goal from Olivier Giroud.
Milan’s lacklustre performance will be a niggling concern for Stefano Pioli in the lead-in to their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with league leaders Napoli on Wednesday. Ante Rebic and Theo Hernandez came close to scoring in the 13th minute, and Sandro Tonali almost gave Milan the lead six minutes before half-time.
The hosts continued to push forward in the second half, with Rafael Leao and Giroud coming on to add new impetus to the attack.
However, Empoli’s Tyronne Ebuehi survived a penalty appeal for handball in the 60th minute, and Milan’s goal was disallowed for handball against Giroud in the 89th minute, ensuring they were held to a frustrating draw. Empoli will hope to build on their win against Cremonese on Friday as they aim to avoid relegation.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
