Milan's European bid takes a hit
AC Milan failed to make the most of its dominance as it fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Empoli in Serie A.
Suso's missed penalty ultimately proved costly as AC Milan's UEFA Europa League hopes took a hit in a 2-1 defeat to lowly Empoli at San Siro.
Milan was aiming to build on last weekend's dramatic 2-2 draw against city rival Inter Milan and a win would have given it a five-point buffer over its rival in Serie A.
But despite dominating large periods of the first half, in which they were restricted to mainly long-range efforts, Levan Mchedlidze headed home in the 41st minute to put Empoli in front.
The home side had the chance to draw level when Empoli goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski felled Mario Pasalic, but the goalkeeper made amends by keeping out Suso's effort.
Substitute Carlos Bacca then missed a great chance from close range and Empoli made Milan pay when Mame Thiam rifled in a second in the 67th minute.
Gianluca Lapadula, who scored twice in a 4-1 win over Empoli in this season's reverse fixture, halved the deficit with a well-placed effort but Milan was unable to repeat the heroics it produced against the Nerazzurri and stays sixth, just two points above rival Inter and five adrift of Atalanta in fifth.
For Empoli, the win follows a fine victory over Fiorentina last week, but Crotone's triumph at Sampdoria means it stays just five points above its relegation rival, which is 18th.
