Reynders gets a brace as Milan easily beat Empoli – FBC News

A brace from Tijani Reynders and a goal from Alvaro Morata gave Milan a comfortable 3-0 win over Empoli at a foggy San Siro in Serie A.

Morata gave Milan the lead in the 19th minute, scoring with his first touch on the rebound, before Reynders doubled the lead just before the break with a brilliant half-volley and added a third goal in the second half after an individual effort.

Milan are seventh in the standings with 22 points, seven points behind leaders Napoli, who visit Torino in 11th place on Sunday.

They still have a game in hand after their match in Bologna was postponed in October due to flooding in the region.

Milan, who have struggled on the domestic front recently and excelled in the Champions League, have given fans some respite having only won once in their previous four league matches.

Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday for their third straight win in the competition, a run that also included a 3-1 win over champions Real Madrid.

The hosts dominated Empoli in an entertaining contest, creating a total of 20 scoring chances, and used most of their four shots on goal as visibility on the pitch was reduced by thick fog.

Empoli goalkeeper Davis Vazquez had to dive early in the game to prevent Morata’s shot from a tight angle.

The Spanish striker, however, proved unstoppable five minutes later when he grabbed the rebound after Rafael Leao deflected a shot off an Empoli defender to slot home at the left post.

Soon after, Christian Pulisic created an impressive chance over the crossbar with a shot from outside the box.

The United States midfielder redeemed himself in the 44th minute when he headed Reynders softly into Emerson Royal’s cross as the Dutch midfielder made it 2-0 in the bottom left corner.

Reynders sealed victory in the 69th with a low strike from outside the box, shortly after Empoli’s Youssef Maleh hit the crossbar in a rare scare from the visitors.

Empoli, who finished last season one point above the drop zone, remained 10th with 16 points.

Milan, who host Serie B leader Sassuolo in the last 16 of the Coppa Italia on Tuesday, next travel to second-place Atalanta on Friday.