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.

Ad Just before half time, Sandro Tonali did well to burst forward before firing an effort on goal but it was well saved by Perisan. Serie ANapoli humbled at home as Rafael Leao stars for Milan02/04/2023 AT 18:02 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 2nd. In