Randal Kolo Muani continued his impressive start at Juventus by scoring both goals in Sunday’s 4-1 win over Empoli in Turin, as champions Inter Milan prepare for a vital derby against AC Milan.
The French striker netted twice in three minutes during the second half, with Dusan Vlahovic and Francisco Conceicao adding goals late on, after Empoli were reduced to 10 men. Juve recovered from an early deficit to move into Italy’s Champions League positions.
Lazio, one point behind Juve, will reclaim fourth place if they defeat struggling Cagliari on Monday night.
Thiago Motta’s inconsistent side was jeered after going into halftime trailing due to a fourth-minute header from former player Mattia De Sciglio.
However, Kolo Muani, who scored on his debut for Juve last weekend in their defeat to league leaders Napoli, equalised in the 61st minute, confidently finishing from close range after brushing past Saba Goglichidze.
He then put the hosts ahead in the 64th minute in somewhat fortunate fashion, diverting Timothy Weah’s wayward long-range shot past the despairing Devis Vasquez.
Empoli were reduced to 10 men when Youssef Maleh received a second yellow card for a wild challenge on Nicolas Gonzalez in the 84th minute.
Vlahovic, who had been dropped for Kolo Muani and is expected to leave Juve in the summer, scored his first goal since mid-December in the 90th minute. Conceicao then sealed the win with a goal in stoppage time.
Despite the victory, Sunday’s performance was far from convincing, with the muted celebrations reflecting that Empoli, now a point above the relegation zone, have picked up just two points from their last eight matches.
Later, Inter Milan will face a disorganised AC Milan in a crucial derby. Simone Inzaghi’s in-form side are seeking their first derby win of the season and will look to put pressure on Napoli. A win at San Siro would level Inter on 53 points with Napoli, who face Roma in the late fixture.
The Italian police have banned fan displays ahead of the match due to a crackdown on the ultra supporters of both clubs. In September, leading ultras from Milan and Inter were arrested in connection with illegal profits made from matches and mafia infiltration into supporter groups.
Inter will also complete their away fixture at Fiorentina on Thursday, a match that was postponed in December following the collapse of Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove.
AFP