Empoli will face Udinese at Stadio Carlo Castellani on Monday in a Serie A matchup, as both teams aim to improve their recent form.
Empoli’s recent performances have been inconsistent, most recently drawing 1-1 against Lecce. Despite controlling 41% of the possession and taking 11 shots, they only found the net once through Pietro Pellegri in the 33rd minute. Lecce equalized with a goal from Santiago Pierotti in the 77th minute.
Empoli has struggled offensively, scoring just 4 goals in their last 6 matches while conceding 8. Historically, they have not defeated Udinese in their last five league meetings, although the last two encounters ended in draws.
Udinese, meanwhile, comes into this match following a 2-1 defeat to Atalanta. Despite having 46% possession and taking 11 shots, with 6 on target, their only goal came from an own goal by Isaak Touré.
Udinese has managed 6 goals in their last 6 games, averaging 1 goal per match, and have not won an away game in their last four league outings. However, they have avoided defeat against Empoli in their last two away matches.
In recent head-to-head meetings, Udinese has 2 wins, Empoli has 1 win, and 3 matches have ended in draws. Their last encounter in May 2024 ended in a 1-1 draw, with Lazar Samardžić scoring for Udinese and M’Baye Niang netting for Empoli.
Empoli’s manager, Roberto D’Aversa, will be without Samuele Perisan, Jacopo Fazzini, and Saba Sazonov due to injuries. They are expected to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring key players such as Devis Vásquez, Ardian Ismajli, and Pietro Pellegri.
Udinese, managed by Kosta Runjaić, will be missing Gerard Deulofeu and Alexis Sánchez. They are likely to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Maduka Okoye, Lautaro Giannetti, and Florian Thauvin expected to start.
Prediction
The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams likely to score. A 1-1 draw seems the most probable outcome, with experts predicting fewer than 3.5 goals in this fixture.
