It’s 13th against 14th in these Empoli vs. Spezia predictions, as Serie A continues to head down the stretch this weekend. The Azzurri may have the home advantage, but Thiago Motta’s side have been in fine form in recent weeks.
Empoli vs. Spezia odds
1 – A draw at full-time – 11/12
2 – Both teams to score – 8/11
3 – Under 2.5 goals – 7/5
4 – 1-1 at full-time – 13/2
5 – Andrea Pinamonti to score anytime – 13/8
Empoli welcome Spezia to the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday afternoon looking for their first win in 13 games. Just one point separates the two teams in the Serie A table, with both sides viewing this fixture as an attainable win.
Despite their form, Aurelio Andreazzoli’s side are all but safe from relegation, although they have little to play for looking up the table. Empoli are 10 points and seven places away from breaking into the top half of the league, so will be playing for little more than honour on Saturday.
For Spezia, this season’s target has been avoiding relegation, and two wins out of their last three games has put them in a solid position to do so. Thiago Motta’s side defeated two relegation rivals in Cagliari and Venezia and will look to continue their lower-table conquest against Empoli. A win for the Aquilotti should see them safe for the season, but may be easier said than done.
Recent fixtures between Empoli and Spezia have been unremarkable to say the least, with six out of the last seven matches finishing in a tie. This weekend’s visitors did manage to secure one win when the sides met in Serie B two seasons ago, however both squads have changed significantly since then. As a result, betting on a draw at full time would provide a high likelihood of return with four out of the last five meetings finishing 1-1.
Furthermore, no competitive meetings between the sides within the last five seasons have finished with more than two goals scored. Looking at this year’s Serie A table, Spezia have scored roughly one goal per game, with Empoli only slightly improving on their record at a rate of 1.3. Using this as a basis, a low-scoring game can be expected yet again at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, with under 2.5 goals worth a wager.
One bright spark in Saturday’s match could be the young Italian forward Andrea Pinamonti. The on-loan Inter prospect has scored more goals this season than any other player on the pitch this weekend, with nine to his name so far. A bet on the Empoli man to break his six-game goalless run could pay dividends.
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Empoli vs. Spezia last five matches
Empoli last five matches
Spezia last five matches
Empoli top goalscorers
| Player | Goal |
|---|---|
| 9 | |
| 7 | |
| 6 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 |
Spezia top goalscorers
| Player | Goal |
|---|---|
| 7 | |
| 6 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 |
Empoli vs. Spezia line-ups
Empoli (4-3-2-1): Vicario; Stojanovic, Ismajli, Romagnoli, Cacace; Zurkowski, Stulac, Bandinelli; Di Francesco, Henderson; Pinamonti.
Spezia (4-3-3): Provedel; Adou, Erlic, Nikolaou, Reca; Maggiore, Kiwior, Bastoni; Kovalenko, Agudelo, Gyasi.
Empoli team news
Sebastiano Luperto is suspended for Saturday’s game having been sent off against Fiorentina and will be replaced by Mattia Viti. Lorenzo Tonelli went off injured in the same match, meaning Aurelio Andreazzoli has few defensive options to select from. Patrick Cutrone has played a limited role this season but may be handed a start up front.
Spezia team news
Thiago Motta has the majority of his squad available, with Mehdi Bourabia and Leo Sena the only potential absentees. Both could make the bench on Saturday, although the Spezia coach is unlikely to drastically change a wining formula. Daniele Verde started as a substitute in the win over Venezia but may start this weekend.