Game Preview

Empoli host Inter Milan in a Serie A showdown, with the visitors heavily favored. Empoli, who have struggled in recent games, face a high-scoring Inter team looking to close the gap to league leaders Napoli. Inter Milan’s consistency against Empoli – winning five of their last six meetings without conceding – makes them strong contenders for another victory.

Key Stats & Insights

  • Empoli have failed to score in their last two home games.
  • Inter Milan have won five of their last six encounters with Empoli, with clean sheets in the last three meetings.
  • Marcus Thuram leads Inter’s attack, netting seven goals in nine league appearances.

Team Form and Performance

Empoli have picked up only two points from their last four matches, recently drawing 1-1 with Parma. Sitting in 10th place, they struggle in attack, averaging only 0.9 goals per game over their last 10. Coach Roberto D’Aversa’s team has lacked a home victory in their last four attempts.

Inter Milan are in good form, boasting a record of five wins, one draw, and one loss from their last six league matches. They recently played an intense 4-4 draw against Juventus, with notable performances from Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries. Inter sit 2nd in Serie A, four points behind Napoli, and have dominated opponents like Empoli in recent years.

Head-to-Head Records

Inter have dominated the head-to-head record, winning seven of their last eight meetings against Empoli. Their last encounter ended in a 2-0 victory for Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza, continuing their trend of clean-sheet victories over Empoli.

Player Form and Availability

  • Empoli: Injuries to Samuele Perisan, Saba Sazonov, and Sebastiano Esposito could impact their defensive setup.
  • Inter Milan: Defender Francesco Acerbi is out with a hamstring injury, and Hakan Calhanoglu remains doubtful due to an adductor strain.

Predicted Lineups

  • Empoli (4-3-3): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti, Pezzella; Anjorin, Fazzini, Henderson; Gyasi, Colombo, Solbakken.
  • Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer; de Vrij, Bastoni, Pavard; Dumfries, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, Dimarco; Thuram, Martínez.

Market Analysis (Odds)

Inter Milan are clear favorites with odds of 1.48, indicating a 67.7% implied win probability. Empoli, at 7.50, are longshots with just a 13.3% chance, while the draw is priced at 5.00 (20%).

Predictions

  • Correct Score Prediction: Empoli 0-2 Inter Milan. Inter are likely to maintain their defensive dominance, and a 2-0 win aligns with their recent form against Empoli.
  • Betting Tips: Back Inter Milan to win with a clean sheet.
  • Value Bet: Empoli +1.25 on the Asian Handicap at odds of -115, as they’ve covered this line consistently in recent games.