Overview
Inter Milan's winning streak was halted after a dramatic 4-4 draw against Juventus. However, the Nerazzurri are still playing very well overall, with a previous 5-win streak. Currently, they are ranked 2nd in the Serie A standings with 18 points and have a good chance of defending the title.
At this time, Inter is looking to regain the joy of victory and Empoli is the most suitable opponent. This team is Inter's favorite "prey" when they won all 3 recent matches, scored 6 goals and did not concede.
In all aspects, Empoli is inferior to the reigning Serie A champion. On the Serie A rankings, Empoli is ranked 10th with 11 points.
Empoli's only home advantage is Carlo Castellani Stadium. However, Inter also played very impressively away from home. Coach Simone Inzaghi's team defeated Udinese, Roma and Young Boys in their last 3 away matches. With poor form - losing 2/3 of the last rounds, it is very difficult for Empoli to create a surprise against Inter.
Head-to-head history from 2003 to present, Empoli and Inter Milan have met a total of 25 times in all competitions. During this time, Empoli won 3 times, scoring 16 goals, an average of 0.6 goals per match.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan won 21 matches, scoring 49 goals, an average of nearly 2 goals per match. The two teams drew once.
Human resources situation
Sebastiano Esposito and Szymon Zurkowski remain sidelined through injury for Empoli. Liam Henderson could be handed a starting place in midfield after coming off the bench last time out. Ardian Ismajli, meanwhile, will continue to feature in defence.
On the other side of the front line, Inter Milan still have the services of Francesco Acerbi and Hakan Calhanoglu, who are both out due to injury. Matteo Darmian could come in at right-back, while Thuram and Lautaro Martinez are the attacking duo.
Expected lineup:
Empoli: Vazquez, Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti, Grassi, Gyasi, Fazzini, Henderson, Pezzella, Solbakken, Colombo.
Inter Milan: Sommer, Bastoni, De Vrij, Pavard, Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, Barella, Darmian, Thuram, Martinez.
The match between Empoli and Inter Milan takes place at 0:30 a.m. on October 31 (Vietnam time).
