Empoli striker Manuel Pucciarelli flashed an effort wide of goal early on as the away side started brightly, threatening again through Piotr Zielinski's fierce effort from the edge of the box just moments later.

Empoli's forward Massimo Maccarone celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Empoli at San Siro Stadium in Milan on February 15, 2015 © Getty Images

Mario Rui then came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, and scoring what would have been a contender for goal of the season, when his audacious attempt from the halfway line looped over Diego Lopez, only to hit the crossbar.

The lively Portuguese full-back then nearly caught Lopez out with a swerving near-post effort as half time approached.

However, Milan then took the lead against the run of play when Mattia Destro prodded home Giacomo Bonaventura's cross for his first goal for Milan, after the midfielder had collected an incisive Jeremy Menez pass.

Simone Verdi scuffed his volley when well placed as Empoli continued to trouble their more illustrious opponents after the restart, but Maurizio Sarri's side soon had the goal that they deserved.

It was former Milan youth player Maccarone who levelled the game, nodding home Elseid Hysaj's deep cross at the back post.

Empoli could have nicked all three points when substitute Francesco Tavano pounced on Lopez's poor clearance, sending a shot towards goal that was tipped over the bar by the Milan goalkeeper outside the box.

Referee Paolo Valeri sent Lopez off, but Empoli could not make their man advantage count with time running out.