It’s top versus bottom on Sunday and these Empoli vs. Inter predictions suggest that there will be more misery for the hosts. Aurelio Andreazzoli is back in charge of the Azzurri once again – but is unlikely to start off with a win.
1 – Inter to win – 1/3
2 – Over 2.5 goals scored – 8/15
3 – Both teams not to score – 19/20
4 – Marcus Thuram to score anytime – 1/1
5 – Inter to score over 2.5 goals – 6/5
After finishing so well last season to ensure a third consecutive year in Serie A, things have not started well for Empoli this term. Four defeats from four – and no goals scored – saw Paolo Zanetti become the first coach to be sacked this season. A visit from Inter is probably the last thing that the Azzurri need.
The 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Roma last weekend was the final straw for Empoli, as Zanetti makes way for a very familiar face at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. Aurelio Andreazzoli has returned to the club for the fourth time in his career and has a tough task on his hands.
Empoli’s start to the season has not been easy, with games against Juventus and a resurgent Hellas Verona before the Roma debacle. But they have not looked like winning a point so far and need something to change very quickly. But it seems unlikely that will happen this weekend.
Inter may be tired after their midweek Champions League match against Real Sociedad, but Simone Inzaghi will be confident of picking up another three points against Empoli.
The Nerazzurri have won all four of their Serie A games so far, including a stunning 5-1 mauling of city rivals Milan last weekend. That was the fifth victory in a row over the Rossoneri – and they have all come in this calendar year.
Inter should now be able to beat Empoli quite comfortably, with Marcus Thuram possibly getting on the scoresheet once again. He is just one of the new arrivals that have improved this team this year – and it looks like he will frustrate the new Empoli boss on Sunday too.
Empoli vs. Inter can be live streamed on the bet365 website. Customer account holders need to have funds in their account or have placed a bet in the 24 hours before kick off to access the action from the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 4 | |
| 4 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 |
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 23 | |
| 13 | |
| 12 | |
| 5 | |
| 5 |
Empoli (4-3-3): Berisha; Ebuehi, Ismajli, Luperto, Pezzella; Maleh, Grassi, Bastoni; Baldanzi, Destro, Cambiaghi
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, de Vrij, Acerbi; Dumfries, Mkhitaryan, Barella, Frattesi, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Many of these players will be familiar to Aurelio Andreazzoli after his previous stints in charge. But it is difficult to know whether he will go for wholesale changes after the crushing defeat to Roma last weekend. Some light tinkering may be in order but he is likely to be looking beyond this match for the points the club desperately needs.
Simone Inzaghi will wait to see how his players recover from their Champions League exertion in the week but may change things around to rest some of his squad. Benjamin Pavard may get his first Serie A start for the club though.
