Serie A | Udinese v Empoli: Match Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups

As the 13th round of Serie A unfolds, Empoli and Udinese prepare for a pivotal encounter at Stadio Carlo Castellani on Monday evening. With just a single point separating the two sides in the league standings, this match presents an opportunity for both teams to improve their position and build momentum heading into the busy holiday period.

Under the guidance of Roberto D’Aversa, Empoli have defied expectations this season. The Azzurri have lost only three of their 14 matches across all competitions, propelling them into the top half of the table. Their recent form has been particularly impressive, with a 1-0 victory over Como followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Lecce.

Pietro Pellegri has been a revelation for Empoli, scoring in consecutive matches. The former Monaco striker will be eager to continue his goal-scoring streak and potentially find the net in three consecutive games for the first time in his career.

Udinese, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position. After a promising start under new coach Kosta Runjaic, the Bianconeri have hit a rough patch, losing their last three matches before the international break. Their away form has been particularly concerning, with four consecutive losses on the road.

Despite these setbacks, Udinese’s ninth-place position in the league table is a testament to their resilience and the quality within their squad. The team will be looking to capitalize on their strong record against Empoli, having gone unbeaten in their last five meetings.

The match is likely to be a tactical chess match between D’Aversa and Runjaic. Empoli’s solid defensive record at home will be tested by Udinese’s aerial threat, particularly from set-pieces. Lorenzo Lucca, who has scored six headed goals since his Serie A debut last season, could be a key factor for the visitors.

Empoli’s 3-5-2 formation, featuring the partnership of Pellegri and Milan loanee Lorenzo Colombo up front, will aim to exploit any vulnerabilities in Udinese’s defense. The midfield battle between Empoli’s Henderson and Haas against Udinese’s Lovric and Karlstrom could prove decisive in determining the flow of the game.

Team News

Empoli continue to grapple with injury concerns, with several key players sidelined. Szymon Zurkowski, Samuele Perisan, Tyronne Ebuehi, Saba Sazonov, Alberto Grassi, and Jacopo Fazzini are all expected to miss the match.

Udinese will be without midfielder Martin Payero due to a knee injury, while veteran striker Alexis Sanchez remains unavailable as he recovers from a calf problem.

Expected Starting XIs

Udinese: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Haas, Maleh, Pezzella; Pellegri, Colombo

Empoli: Okoye; Giannetti, Bijol, Toure; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Zarraga, Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca

Match Prediction

Given both teams’ recent struggles to find the back of the net, particularly Empoli’s difficulties scoring at home, a low-scoring affair seems likely. Udinese’s poor away form coupled with Empoli’s solid defensive record at the Castellani points towards a tightly contested match.

While both sides possess the quality to snatch a victory, the evenly matched nature of the contest suggests a draw as the most probable outcome. A 0-0 or 1-1 scoreline would not be surprising, reflecting the defensive solidity and offensive challenges faced by both teams.

Prediction:  Empoli 1-1 Udinese

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