Empoli vs Napoli predictions ahead of this Serie A affair. Napoli, soon to lose their Serie A champion status, visit Empoli aiming to secure a European spot for next season. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Serie A | Gameweek 33 – Apr 20, 2024 at 5pm UK at Stadio Carlo Castellani
Empoli vs Napoli Predictions
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Clash at Castellani: Napoli’s European Quest Meets Empoli’s Survival Fight
Key Stats
– Empoli has failed to score in the majority of their recent matches, highlighting their offensive struggles.
– Napoli has conceded at least twice in their last three matches, underscoring ongoing defensive issues.
– M’Baye Niang has emerged as Empoli’s top goalscorer despite the team’s struggles, illustrating his importance to their survival hopes.
This weekend’s fixture sees a struggling Empoli host a Napoli side eager to secure a European spot for next season. Empoli’s recent form has been lacklustre, with the team managing to find the net only sparingly, which starkly contrasts with their more defensively robust performances at the start of the season. Napoli, on the other hand, although inconsistent, have shown flashes of brilliance in attack but their defensive vulnerabilities have been a significant concern, particularly in away fixtures.
The key battleground will likely be in the midfield, where Empoli’s Razvan Marin and Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski are expected to play pivotal roles. Marin’s ability to control the pace of the game and distribute the ball effectively could be crucial for Empoli to break Napoli’s possession-based style. Zielinski, returning to his former club, will be motivated to perform and could be instrumental in linking play between Napoli’s midfield and their potent forward line.
Another critical duel will be between Empoli’s forward M’Baye Niang, who has shown a knack for crucial goals, and Napoli’s makeshift defence. With Napoli missing key defensive players, Niang’s physical presence and finishing ability could pose significant problems.
Predicting the Gameplay and Managerial Strategies
Expected Lineups and Formations:
Empoli: Caprile; Bereszynski, Walukiewicz, Luperto; Cancellieri, Marin, Maleh, Pezzella; Zurkowski, Cambiaghi; Niang
Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Jesus, Ostigard, Mazzocchi; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
Empoli, coached by Davide Nicola, known for his defensive acumen, will likely set up to be compact and hard to break down, aiming to exploit any opportunities on the counter, especially given Napoli’s defensive issues. On the other hand, Napoli under Francesco Calzona will look to dominate possession and utilise the attacking prowess of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who have been directly involved in a significant number of Napoli’s goals this season.
Napoli’s recent form has shown that while they can score goals, their defensive instability has led to dropped points. This match provides a perfect scenario for Calzona to address these issues, possibly by tightening up his team’s structure in the absence of key defenders and ensuring they do not underestimate an Empoli side fighting for Serie A survival.
Team Strengths, Weaknesses, and Managerial Critique
Empoli have shown they can be resilient at home, but their biggest weakness has been an apparent lack of goalscoring threat and a tendency to lose control of games in critical moments. Their coach, Nicola, while experienced in relegation battles, needs to find a way to inspire more creativity and cutting edge from his team.
Napoli, under Calzona, display excellent attacking football but their defensive frailties have been exposed repeatedly this season. Calzona’s inability to resolve these issues, especially in matches that should comfortably be won, is a glaring weakness. The reliance on key individuals to outscore opponents is a risky strategy that could cost them dearly in crucial matches like this.
Predictions and Betting Insights
Best Bet: Both teams to score. Given Napoli’s leaky defence and Empoli’s desperate need for points, it’s likely both teams will find the net. Empoli will capitalise on Napoli’s defensive woes, while Napoli’s attacking form suggests they will score at least once.
Correct Score Prediction: Empoli 1-2 Napoli. This scoreline reflects the offensive capabilities of Napoli against a struggling Empoli side, but also acknowledges Empoli’s potential to exploit Napoli’s defensive gaps.
Goalscorer Prediction: M’Baye Niang to score. Niang has been one of the few bright spots in Empoli’s attack, and given Napoli’s defensive suspensions and injuries, he is well-placed to add to his tally for the season.
First Half Result Prediction: Draw at half-time. Empoli will likely start cautiously, focusing on defensive solidity, while Napoli may take time to adjust to their rearranged defence. This could lead to a stalemate in the first half before the game opens up in the second.
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