AC Milan 1-0 Empoli: Pulisic's first half strike earns Rossoneri narrow victory over struggling visitors

AC Milan won 1-0 at home against struggling Empoli on Sunday, moving them into provisional second place in Serie A thanks to a Christian Pulisic goal.

Milan have 59 points, two ahead of Juventus, who host Atalanta later on Sunday, while Inter Milan lead with 75 points. Empoli are 16th with 25 points, one point clear of the relegation zone.

The only goal came in the 40th minute, when Noah Okafor received a pass from Ismael Bennacer down the left wing and his cross was met first by Pulisic on the edge of the box.

"I think I'm in my best shape, I've received a lot of trust from my team mates, the staff and the whole environment," Pulisic told DAZN.

The game provided little entertainment as a lackluster Milan struggled to hold off the visitors, but Stefano Pioli's side secured their second consecutive 1-0 league victory after defeating Lazio last weekend.

Milan defeated Slavia Prague 4-2 in the Europa League on Thursday, but they never looked like repeating the goal-fest against Empoli.

Pioli had to plan without the suspended Rafael Leao, so Okafor, who scored in the win over Lazio, was called up, while Luka Jovic returned from suspension and was chosen over Olivier Giroud.

Milan broke the deadlock after a drab first half in which Empoli chose to sit back and the home side failed to create any clear-cut chances despite having the majority of possession.

Sebastiano Luperto deflected Pulisic's shot past the keeper, and despite being flagged for offside on Okafor, the American was awarded his eighth league goal of the season following a VAR check.

"It's a good feeling, both the three points and the goal, even if it was a bit lucky," Pulisic added.

"In the end, we'll keep this win and look forward."

The second half saw little improvement, with Milan still struggling to find an opening, but Empoli did gain more possession and create some danger on the counter.

Substitute Mattia Destro had a late header from a corner, but Mike Maignan got down well to save, and the game ended with Milan on the attack and Empoli goalkeeper Elia Caprile making a good save on a Samuel Chukwueze shot.

Milan now prepare for their second leg in Prague on Thursday, while Empoli continue their relegation battle at home against Bologna on Friday.

SportsLigue