Gennaro Gattuso: AC Milan went well for the second half-second against Empoli

Gennaro Gattuso was encouraged by AC Milan's victory in the second half against Empoli, while the Rossoneri played a leading role in the fight for the Serie A wrestlers on Friday.

Milan was frustrated in the first half at San Siro, but two goals in as many minutes allowed him to stand out.

In form, Krzysztof Piatek opened the scoring – his seventh goal for Milan in all competitions – while Franck Kessie put Empoli out of sight, before Samu Castillejo got an impressive score with a clean finish.

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Milan, who remains undefeated for eight league games, is only one point behind Inter, third, and Gattuso believes his team has finally opted for a system that suits him.

"I was not at all happy with my team for a while, we did not fill the penalty area efficiently, we moved the balloon too slowly and did not have the right moves, "Gattuso told Sky Sport Italia.

"I was the first to take the blame, it was primarily my fault, I can not promise anyone.

"All I can say is a very young team with very interesting players.

"We need to create some momentum and that win is a good example, because it was not easy under the circumstances and to move up a gear after such a mediocre first period.

Gattuso will now focus on the Coppa Italia's first semi-final on Tuesday against Lazio, but despite the quick turnaround, the Milan coach insisted that he would not make any changes to appease his support brigade.

"Being grumpy not to play is part of the job," Gattuso said of Milan's marginal players enjoying limited playing time.

"If I see someone who is constantly on the bench smiling and laughing, it's not good either.

"What I'm looking for is respect, respect and consistency, the hard work of the week being the only way to earn your place, you have to make sure that you are ready and that you impress when you do it. their request."