AC Milan takes centre stage this Saturday as they welcome Empoli to the San Siro for a crucial Serie A clash. Both sides are navigating seasons filled with challenges, but the stakes are especially high for Milan as they aim to reclaim a spot in the top six. Empoli, meanwhile, arrive in Milan looking to spoil the party and close the gap on their illustrious hosts.
Milan, sitting seventh in the league, comes into the game on the back of a mixed week. A frustrating 0-0 draw against Juventus in their last league outing raised questions about their attacking prowess, but a thrilling 3-2 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League midweek offered a much-needed confidence boost. With Álvaro Morata back from suspension and Tammy Abraham in fine scoring form, head coach Paulo Fonseca will be banking on his attackers to deliver.
However, Milan’s domestic inconsistencies remain a concern. They have not scored in their last two Serie A home matches and face the prospect of going three without a win at San Siro for the first time since 2021. Injuries to Ismael Bennacer, Alessandro Florenzi, and Luka Jovic limit their options, but Fonseca’s side has the quality to break their home drought.
Empoli, sitting 10th, will not be intimidated. Historically, they have been a thorn in Milan’s side at San Siro, with memorable wins in 2003, 2007, and 2017. Striker Pietro Pellegri is enjoying a resurgence, scoring in three consecutive matches, and his form could be key. While injuries to key players like Nicolas Haas and Szymon Zurkowski hinder Roberto D’Aversa’s options, Empoli’s disciplined defence and counterattacking threat will make them a formidable opponent.
Bologna vs. Venezia: redemption on the line
Over in Emilia-Romagna, Bologna will be looking to shake off their recent struggles as they host bottom-placed Venezia at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. After a 2-1 loss to Lille in the Champions League where Jhon Lucumí scored the Rossoblu’s historic first goal in Europe Bologna is eager to refocus on Serie A.
Currently eighth in the standings, Vincenzo Italiano’s side has struggled for consistency. Their recent 3-0 loss to Lazio, marred by Tommaso Pobega’s red card, has added to the pressure. However, Bologna’s strong home form is a silver lining they are unbeaten at home this season in Serie A, with four draws and one win. Santiago Castro is expected to lead the attack, supported by Riccardo Orsolini and Dan Ndoye, as Bologna aims to find the attacking spark they’ve been missing.
For Venezia, the outlook is bleak. Rooted to the bottom of the table, they remain winless in their last 14 away matches in Serie A. Despite flashes of promise, such as Gianluca Busio’s creative play and Gaetano Oristanio’s dribbling skills, Eusebio Di Francesco’s side has struggled to turn performances into points. This game represents an opportunity to fight for survival, but it won’t be easy against a determined Bologna side.
Como vs. Monza the derby of desperation in Lombardy
Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia plays host to the Lombardy derby as Como and Monza clash in a battle of winless streaks. Both teams are desperate for three points to reignite their campaigns, making this a must-watch fixture for local fans.
Como, winless in their last seven matches, have faced a tough transition back to Serie A. Their 2-0 defeat to Fiorentina last week exposed both offensive inefficiency they have scored just once for every 22 attempts and defensive vulnerabilities. Head coach Cesc Fàbregas has called for patience, but with key defender Alberto Dossena suspended and multiple injuries thinning the squad, the pressure is mounting.
Monza, historically dominant in this fixture, find themselves at the foot of the table. Under Alessandro Nesta, they’ve managed just one win in their last 22 league matches a stark decline from their competitive mid-table standing under previous manager Raffaele Palladino. Injuries to captain Matteo Pessina and midfielder Roberto Gagliardini compound their struggles, while Armando Izzo’s suspension further weakens their defence. Milan Djuric and Daniel Maldini will lead the attack as Monza seek to rediscover their form.
From AC Milan’s pursuit of consistency to Bologna’s quest for redemption and the fiery Lombardy derby, Saturday’s Serie A fixtures promise drama and intensity. With vital points up for grabs and narratives unfolding across the league, fans can expect a day filled with passion, tension, and pivotal moments in Italy’s top flight.
