Empoli beat Napoli midweek, but Aurelio Andreazzoli warns today’s relegation showdown with Udinese is “a six-pointer.”
It kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It is a direct confrontation, which means it’s a six-pointer and that’s not all,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Empoli beat Napoli midweek, but Aurelio Andreazzoli warns today’s relegation showdown with Udinese is “a six-pointer.”
It kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It is a direct confrontation, which means it’s a six-pointer and that’s not all,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“Position is also decided by the head-to-head record and we beat Udinese earlier this season, so that too is to be considered an important factor.
“Udinese will throw everything at us on their home turf, but I am not sure what to expect on a tactical level. The characteristics of their players suggest a certain approach, but the most important thing will be focusing on our own identity and what we want to do.”
Only Empoli and Chievo are yet to win an away game in Serie A this season, the Tuscans picking up just four draws and 10 defeats.
“There aren’t home games and away games, just games to be won. Our fans do make themselves heard and push us on, but we have to focus on what’s happening on the pitch and making life difficult for our opponents.
“The victory over Napoli helped boost our self-esteem and belief in our capabilities. We rarely adapt to our opponents, although there could be some consideration given to Rodrigo De Paul’s characteristics.”
Afriyie Acquah, Kevin Diks and Antonino La Gumina have not made the trip, but Bartlomiej Dragowski, Salih Ucan and Rade Krunic are available despite fitness concerns.
Empoli squad for Udinese: Dragowski, Perucchini, Provedel; Antonelli, Di Lorenzo, Maietta, Nikolaou, Pajac, Pasqual, Rasmussen, Silvestre, Veseli; Bennacer, Brighi, Capezzi, Krunic, Traore, Ucan; Caputo, Farias, Mchedlidze