Empoli – Spezia : Preview & Prediction
Empoli missed the chance to add a seventh consecutive unbeaten Serie A (SA) match for the first time since 2015 after a 2-0 loss to Roma on Saturday. Coach Paolo Zanetti felt they were “not good enough to win” after conceding two goals in the first ten minutes, although the Tuscans are still well positioned with regard to their goal of finishing in the top half of the SA for the first time since 2006/07, and could even provisionally move into the top eight with a win here.
Returning to the Stadio Carlo Castellani could bode well for Empoli, who have picked up points in each of their last four home games (G3, E1). Their home record is just as good against SA teams currently below them in the standings (G3, E2), which could ignite hopes of a first win against their arch-rivals since April 2014 (E5, P2 in all competitions).
Spezia will start this matchday four points above the relegation zone, but three consecutive clean sheet defeats have raised concerns about further extending their three-season stay in the top flight, although they are statistically guaranteed to remain above the relegation zone for another matchday regardless of the outcome of this clash. Coach Luca Gotti was absent for Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Napoli while recovering from hip surgery and will be urging his side to find the net after just one goal in five league games.
There is a glimmer of hope for his offense, as Spezia have scored in two of their last three away games in SA, winning each time (P1). To replicate those efforts they may need their squad to redouble their efforts, as they are likely to be without M’Bala Nzola, who has registered his last three away goals in the league after scoring the only goal in the previous meeting between the two sides.
Players to watch: Empoli have picked up eight points thanks to Tommaso Baldanzi’s four league goals this campaign, each serving to open the scoring. Emmanuel Gyasi missed Spezia’s last game due to yellow card accumulation and could test the referee again after picking up two in his last two league duels against Empoli.
Key stat: After last weekend, no SA side had conceded more goals than Empoli after the 80th minute (eight), while Spezia have yet to score during that period.
Empoli – Spezia : Betting Tips
Empoli – Win Odds: 2.25
