March 10, (THEWILL)- In a closely-contested Serie A encounter, Christian Pulisic’s first-half strike proved decisive as AC Milan edged past Empoli 0 at the San Siro. The hard-fought victory sees the Rossoneri leapfrog Juventus into second place, behind city rivals and league leaders Inter Milan.
The decisive moment arrived five minutes before the break when Pulisic’s first-time effort found the back of the net. Initially ruled offside, VAR intervention overturned the call, allowing the American’s deflected strike to stand as the match-winner.
Despite Empoli’s spirited second-half display, creating chances through Nicolo Cambiaghi and substitute Mattia Destro, Milan remained resolute to claim back-to-back victories. The hosts had earlier squandered opportunities of their own, with Pulisic, Noah Okafor and substitute Samuel Chukwueze, all going close.
As the match entered its dying minutes, Empoli came agonisingly close to an equaliser. Cambiaghi’s powerful header struck the upright, while Destro’s last-gasp effort was comfortably saved by Mike Maignan as Milan clung on for three precious points.
The victory sees Stefano Pioli’s side remain chasing their rivals as the season enters its final stretch. They face Inter on Sunday, April 21, by which time a clearer picture of where they will finish on the table at the end of the season will be easier to fathom. Before that, however, the Rossoneri will be buoyed by this win.
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.
