AC Milan v Empoli as it happened - fine Kalulu goal gives league leaders Rossoneri five-point lead at top of Serie A

It has been far from straightforward but leaders AC Milan have edged past Empoli as they extend their unbeaten run to nine games, moving five points clear of the chasing pack in the process.

Pierre Kalulu's fine individual effort in the first half proves the difference between the sides as Stefano Pioli's men just about get the job done.

Maignan takes the pressure off his Milan team mates as he plucks a cross out of the air and smothers. That will do it, surely.

Tonali tries to stop Empoli from taking a quick free-kick and deservedly goes into the referee's notebook.

Milan are almost there.

Can Milan hold on? As it stands, they will move five points clear of second-placed Inter, who play at Torino tomorrow night.

Empoli force a corner, but it ends in frustration as Di Francesco's delivery swings out of play. Milan can catch a breather with a goal-kick.

The hosts are eager to eat up as much time as possible now as they close in on an important three points. Krunic replaces Bennacer.

Tomori throws himself in the way of Cutrone's shot as Empoli apply yet more pressure. A nervous finale at the San Siro!

The Swede's first contribution to the Milan cause is to clear a corner at the near post.

He takes the place of Leao.

Giroud, who has endured a frustrating night, sees his number come up. He's replaced by Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic is preparing to come on for the last 10 minutes.

Almost a chance for Zurkowski as a cross is drilled into the Milan penalty box, but Saelemaekers is alert to the danger and scrambles clear.

Romagnoli can only partially clear from the resulting set-piece delivery. Milan keep it alive, the ball is crossed into a packed Empoli penalty area, Giroud peels away from his marker to meet it but heads wide.

Bennacer rolls a pass to Diaz on the left side of the penalty area. His cross is blocked behind for a Milan corner.

As Kessie makes way.

Saelemaekers continues his run of appearing in every Serie A game this season as he comes on for Messias.

Giroud tries his second bicycle-kick of the night and this time he connects with Luperto instead of the ball.

Their final sub sees Benassi come on for Bandinelli.

Bajrami limps off and is replaced by Di Francesco.