AC Milan secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday night, with all the action unfolding in the second half.
The match saw a flurry of red cards early in the second period, as Fikayo Tomori (after two yellow cards) and Marianucci (for kicking out at Santiago Gimenez) were sent off in quick succession.
Rafael Leao gave Milan the lead, scoring a header at the far post following a precise cross from Christian Pulisic.
Pulisic then played a key role in Milan’s second goal, setting up Santiago Gimenez for his first strike since joining the club, a goal that justified his €35m price tag.
The win lifts Milan to seventh place, though they will have to wait for Bologna’s result.
Juventus hold a five-point lead in fourth, having played an additional game, while Fiorentina sit in fifth, four points ahead, with the same number of matches played.
Despite rumours suggesting numerous changes to the starting lineup after Milan’s midweek win against Roma, coach Sergio Conceicao made only one adjustment, with Joao Felix earning his first start at the expense of Pulisic.
Milan had an early penalty shout in the second minute when Tijjani Reijnders found Tammy Abraham in the box, only for Pezzella to bring him down.
However, referee Pairetto ruled no foul after a VAR review, which confirmed his decision.
The VAR team was called into action again shortly after when Cacace’s reckless challenge on Kyle Walker, which could have caused serious injury, resulted in only a yellow card after a review.
The first shot on target came from Yunus Musah, who cut in from the right and fired a low shot, which was easily saved by ex-Milan goalkeeper Vasquez.
At the other end, Walker made a crucial block to deny a shot from Grassi.
Joao Felix was shown a yellow card in the 19th minute and, moments later, appealed for a penalty after being fouled inside the box.
Replays confirmed that Felix had dived, and Pairetto made the correct call.
Milan continued to break down Empoli’s defensive block with quick, sharp passing. One such move saw Felix fire a shot from 20 yards out, but it flew just wide of the target.
