Empoli vs. AC Milan: Post Match Comments, Review, Thoughts

With Milan only managing a 2-2 draw away to Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, new doubt sprung to the minds of Milanisti.

Quite frankly, Milan's performance on Tuesday against the newly-promoted side was ulcer-inducing. The defense was diabolical, with Daniele Bonera's introduction back into the starting lineup being met with disbelief.

It was Bonera's positioning which allowed Empoli to score the second goal, putting the Tuscan side up 2-0 against Milan early into the game.

Paolo Lazzeroni/Associated Press

Empoli on the other hand were very positive throughout. The side led by Maurizio Sarri was overmatched by skill but didn't show it, as plenty of the Empoli youngsters combined effectively and showed very good technique in the build-up.

Their tall center-back Daniele Rugani was excellent, along with 23-year-old attacker Manuel Pucciarelli, who scored his first goal in Serie A and was a nuisance for Milan's defense throughout the match, taking on his man one-on-one and creating havoc whenever possible.

Thankfully, the artist formerly known as Fernando Torres was able to rewind the clock and spring back to life after spending a few maligned seasons with Chelsea.

Torres was the man of the match, along with right-back Ignazio Abate who was excellent in his delivery and getting up the flanks. Abate was credited with both assists. 

The Spanish striker looked quick and clever with his dribbling, capping off his performance with a world-class header as well as a near-assist to Jeremy Menez, who took a shot from the edge of the box only to see it denied by the crossbar.

Keisuke Honda also continues his scoring streak, as the Japanese international midfielder was able to score the second goal from outside the box, putting the ball right into the bottom corner past the flailing arms of Luigi Sepe.

"

Keisuke Honda'nın skoru 2-2'ye getiren golü https://t.co/iTGlnCwNyH

— Spor Gündemi (@sporgundemi01) September 23, 2014"

Another random storyline this season is the devolution of Mattia De Sciglio. Once considered to be the next Paolo Maldini, De Sciglio is taking the road once covered by Davide Santon, another overhyped full-back who's now rotting on Newcastle United's bench.

De Sciglio is still very young, so one has to hope that this is just a severe dip in form and that the Italian international can go back to improving and proving that he really is one of Italy's best up-and-coming youngsters.

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

As poor as De Sciglio was, Ignazio Abate was excellent on the opposite flank. Ironically enough, Abate's delivery became a talking point for positive reasons, as the speedster dared to challenge the status-quo by actually providing pinpoint crosses.

It didn't help the back line that the midfield unit has a hard time connecting on two passes in a row. Too often, someone booted the ball upfield and gave away possession rather than trying to play it on the ground with the three front men.

Marco Van Ginkel's debut with the Rossoneri couldn't have gone any worse. His 30 minutes on the pitch were highlighted by a few back passes to the goalkeeper, missed challenges and then an exit in the first half after picking up a foot injury.

Even though there's no reason to panic, Filippo Inzaghi needs to sort out the defense which has given up an average of two goals per game to start the Serie A season. A few personnel changes would help as well, as Milan desperately miss the more creative spark offered by their injured captain Riccardo Montolivo.

Despite drawing against a side that will most likely fight for salvation, the silver-lining for Milan can be that they saw vintage Fernando Torres in action, and he should continue to terrorize the league and pick up a decent goal tally.