In a pivotal Serie A clash on Sunday, Udinese hosts Empoli in a match that could determine their fate in the top flight.
With both teams embroiled in a relegation battle, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Team Form and Current Standings
Udinese
Udinese, currently just above the relegation zone, has shown signs of resilience under recently appointed coach Fabio Cannavaro.
They come into this match on the back of a crucial 2-0 win against Lecce, which has lifted them out of immediate danger.
Udinese's form has been patchy, but they have managed to secure five points from their last three matches, signalling a potential turnaround.
Empoli
Empoli, on the other hand, has been struggling significantly. They have lost their last five away fixtures without scoring a single goal, highlighting their issues in front of the net.
Currently sitting in the bottom three, Empoli's form has been dismal, with Davide Nicola's side failing to find the net in eight of their last ten matches.
Team News and Lineups
Udinese
Udinese will be without long-term absentees Enzo Ebosse and Gerard Deulofeu.
Additionally, midfielder Sandi Lovric, goalkeeper Marco Silvestri, and forward Florian Thauvin are sidelined.
Cannavaro might opt for an unchanged lineup from their last victory, but there is a possibility that captain Roberto Pereyra could replace Isaac Success to support Lorenzo Lucca in the attack.
Empoli
Empoli is set to welcome back centre-forward Alberto Cerri from injury, who will compete with M'Baye Niang and Francesco Caputo for a starting spot.
Sebastian Walukiewicz also returns after a flexor problem, leaving Tyronne Ebuehi as their only notable absentee.
Predicted Lineups
Udinese: Okoye; Perez, Bijol, Kristensen; Ehizibue, Payero, Walace, Kamara; Samardzic, Pereyra; Lucca
Empoli: Caprile; Bereszynski, Ismajli, Luperto; Gyasi, Maleh, Marin, Grassi, Pezzella; Cambiaghi, Caputo
Match Prediction
Considering Empoli's poor away form and Udinese's recent resurgence under Cannavaro, the home side looks more likely to secure the vital three points.
Empoli's inability to score on the road combined with Udinese's newfound defensive solidity suggests a narrow win for the hosts.
Our Prediction: Udinese 1-0 Empoli
FAQ
Q: When is the Udinese vs Empoli match scheduled? A: The match between Udinese and Empoli is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2024.
Q: Where will the Udinese vs Empoli match take place? A: The match will take place at the Global Energy Stadium, home of Udinese.
Q: What is the significance of this match for both teams? A: This match is crucial for both teams as they are battling relegation. A win for Udinese could secure their Serie A survival, while Empoli needs points to climb out of the bottom three.
Q: What is Udinese’s recent form going into this match? A: Udinese has shown improvement under coach Fabio Cannavaro, securing five points from their last three games, including a crucial 2-0 victory against Lecce.
Q: How has Empoli performed in their recent matches? A: Empoli has struggled significantly, losing their last five away matches without scoring. They have failed to score in eight of their last ten matches.
Q: Who are the key players missing for Udinese? A: Udinese will be without long-term absentees Enzo Ebosse and Gerard Deulofeu. Additionally, Sandi Lovric, Marco Silvestri, and Florian Thauvin are sidelined.
Q: Who are the key players missing for Empoli? A: Empoli will be missing Tyronne Ebuehi due to an ACL injury. However, they will have Alberto Cerri and Sebastian Walukiewicz available after their respective injuries.
Q: How has Fabio Cannavaro impacted Udinese’s performance? A: Since Fabio Cannavaro took over as coach, Udinese has shown signs of improvement, particularly in their defensive organisation and ability to secure points.
Q: What does this match mean for Empoli's survival hopes? A: Empoli needs to secure points to move out of the relegation zone. A loss could further jeopardize their Serie A status, making their upcoming fixtures even more critical.
Udinese 
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