On Sunday, Napoli will travel to face Empoli at Stadio Carlo Castellani in Serie A. Napoli, under Antonio Conte’s management, have enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, with six wins from their last seven matches.
Empoli, meanwhile, are proving resilient at home, remaining unbeaten in all home games this campaign.
Empoli Recent Form
Empoli have been a difficult side to break down at home, managing 0-0 draws in their last three Serie A fixtures at the Castellani.
However, their overall form saw a dip just before the international break when they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Lazio.
Currently 10th in the table with 10 points from seven games, Empoli will look to maintain their solid home form and upset a Napoli side in strong form.
Injury and Team News
Empoli will be without Samuele Perisan, Tyronne Ebuehi, and long-term absentee Saba Sazonov due to injury. However, Szymon Zurkowski could return from a calf problem, likely making the bench.
For Napoli, Antonio Conte will be missing midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, who picked up an injury on international duty.
Romelu Lukaku and David Neres, however, are both in fantastic form, while Alex Meret remains sidelined, leaving Elia Caprile to continue in goal.
Last Empoli Lineup
Here is how Empoli lined up in their last match against Lazio:
Napoli Recent Form
Napoli are flying high at the top of the table, having won their last three Serie A matches and going unbeaten in their last six.
They defeated Como 3-1 in their last outing before the international break, and have produced 11 different goalscorers across all competitions this season.
Napoli’s attacking options, especially with Lukaku and Neres, have been impressive, but they will need to overcome a historically poor record in Empoli, with just two wins in their last 11 visits.
Injury and Team News
Napoli will be without Stanislav Lobotka and Alex Meret. Left-back Mathias Olivera is a doubt after picking up a knock with Uruguay, meaning Leonardo Spinazzola may start. Romelu Lukaku is set to lead the line again, flanked by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and either Matteo Politano or David Neres.
Empoli Player to Watch
Sebastiano Esposito is a player to keep an eye on. His early goal against Lazio showed his clinical finishing, and he will be a key figure in Empoli's attack, especially on the counter.
Napoli Player to Watch
Romelu Lukaku has been in superb form, contributing to Napoli’s recent successes. With his physical presence and eye for goal, he will be crucial to breaking down a resolute Empoli defence.
Prediction
Napoli are in red-hot form but face a tough challenge away to Empoli, who are unbeaten at home. This match is likely to be a tight affair, but Napoli’s firepower should see them through with a narrow victory.
Our Prediction: Empoli 0-1 Napoli.
Betting Tips
Tip 1: Napoli to win
Napoli’s excellent form and attacking depth make them favourites for a win, though Empoli’s defensive resilience means it could be a low-scoring affair.
Tip 2: Under 2.5 Goals
With Empoli holding three consecutive 0-0 draws at home and Napoli likely to face a challenge breaking them down, expect fewer than three goals.
Tip 3: Romelu Lukaku to score anytime
Lukaku’s current form and his goal-scoring consistency make him a solid bet to find the net during the match.
