AC Milan 0-0 Empoli: Late Olivier Giroud goal chalked off as Stefano Pioli’s side held at home

Stubborn Empoli held AC Milan to a 0-0 draw at the San Siro, but only after Olivier Giroud had a late goal ruled out.

The hosts had their first big chance after 12 minutes, Alexis Saelemaekers played a brilliant pass into Ante Rebic who fired his effort straight at Samuele Perisan.

Just before half time, Sandro Tonali did well to burst forward before firing an effort on goal but it was well saved by Perisan.

Empoli contained Milan well in the first half, they restricted Stefano Pioli’s side largely to speculative efforts from distance or shots straight at Perisan.

AC Milan were awarded a penalty in the 58th minute for a handball by Tyronne Ebuehi but after a VAR check, the referee reversed his decision as the ball didn’t appear to strike his hand and Milan’s wait for a big chance to take the lead went on.

Pioli’s side improved following the introductions of Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud 20 minutes from time, both players started from the bench with one eye on the UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Napoli on Wednesday.

Alessandro Florenzi had Milan’s biggest chance 10 minutes from time but he could only divert his volley onto the outside of the post.

Giroud was summoned from the bench and thought he had won the match late on when bundling the ball home, but his celebrations were cut short as a VAR check confirmed a handball as Milan had to settle for a point.

TALKING POINT – MORE FRUSTRATION FOR MILAN

After their ruthless dismantling of Serie A leaders Napoli last time out to put an end to their poor form, one might have assumed Milan would use that result as a springboard to go on a good run and try and catch Lazio in second. In truth, it was another disappointing performance when faced with a team who set out to frustrate and contain Milan. Empoli managed just one shot on target which came at the very end, but their game-plan was executed perfectly and they leaft San Siro with a point and Milan frustrated.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – SEBASTIANO LUPERTO (EMPOLI)

With the amount of pressure Milan put on Empoli, the defence had to be disciplined, fully concentrated and willing to put their body on the line. Sebastiano Luperto was and did all of those things for his side. He made 11 clearances, blocked four shots, made two tackles and made one interception. He was everywhere across the back line for Empoli, popping up to thwart Milan attacks and keep his side in the game.

PLAYER RATINGS

AC Milan: Maignan 7, Calabria 7, Thiaw 7, Tomori 7, Theo 7, Tonali 7, Pobega 6, Saelemaekers 7, Bennacer 6, Rebic 7, Origi 6 Subs: Leao 7, De Ketelaere 6, Florenzi 7

Empoli: Perisan 8, Parisi 7, Luperto 9, De Winter 7, Ebuehi 7, Fazzini 6, Marin 6, Bandinelli 6, Baldanzi 6, Piccoli 5, Caputo 6 Sub: Cacace 6, Grassi 6, Haas 6, Cambiaghi 6, Satriano N/A

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

12′ BIG CHANCES! BIG SAVES! – Samuele Perisan pulls off two fantastic saves to keep the score level. The first effort was from Rebic and the second was Hernandez.

40′ GOOD CHANCE, GOOD SAVE! – Sandro Tonali does brilliantly to hold off the challenge of Razvan Marin before firing an effort on goal but Perisan was equal to it.

70′ NO PENALTY – The referee has reversed his decision and play is back underway.

76′ OFF THE POST! – Florenzi hits Leao’s cross on the volley and it cannons off the post. That is the closest Milan have been to opening the scoring.

90′ NO GOAL! – Olivier Giroud’s goal has been ruled out for handball!

KEY STAT

AC Milan have only faced two total shots against Empoli; since 2004/05, only once they did better in a Serie A match: 0 against Chievo in April 2005. – via Opta Paolo