Overview
After a 0-3 defeat to Inter Milan in round 10 of Serie A, Empoli brought home 4 points in the last 2 matches against Como and Lecce.
These impressive results have helped them gain 15 points after 12 matches, ranking 10th in Serie A and completely capable of rising to the group above. The gap between Empoli and the 7th ranked team AC Milan is only 1 win (before round 13).
However, Empoli has a big weakness in the 2024-2025 season, which is the ability to convert opportunities into goals. After 12 matches in Serie A, they have only scored 9 goals, the second worst record in the league and only above Lecce in the relegation group.
In return, Empoli possess a solid defense, as their 10 goals conceded is the third best record in the league.
As for Udinese, they are experiencing a disappointing streak of form, having lost all three of their last Serie A matches. The FIFA Days break in November is considered necessary for coach Kosta Runjaic's team to find out the flaws in their playing style.
As of round 13, Udinese has 16 points and is 1 place above Empoli on the rankings.
Overall, both teams will aim for a win but each has its own problems. Notably, in the last 5 matches between the two teams, there have been 3 draws.
It is not impossible that a similar result will be repeated at the Stadio Carlo Castellani stadium.
Human resources situation
Empoli could use a 3-5-2 formation in this match due to injury absences. Despite having two weeks to recover, Szymon Zurkowski, Samuele Perisan, Tyronne Ebuehi, Saba Sazonov, Alberto Grassi and Jacopo Fazzini are all still unavailable.
On the other side of the front line, Udinese's attack will be led by Keinan Davis or Lorenzo Lucca. Since his Serie A debut last season, only Duvan Zapata (10) has scored more headed goals than Lucca (6).
Meanwhile, Martin Payero and Alexis Sanchez are absent from the away team.
Expected lineup:
Empoli: Vasquez, Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti, Gyasi, Henderson, Haas, Maleh, Pezzella, Pellegri, Colombo.
Udinese: Okoye, Giannetti, Bijol, Toure, Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Zarraga, Kamara, Thauvin, Lucca.
The match between Empoli and Udinese takes place at 0:30 a.m. on November 26 (Vietnam time).
