Napoli will aim to keep their strong start to the season going against Empoli on Sunday.
Empoli will welcome the challenge of Serie A leaders SSC Napoli at Stadio Carlo Castellani on Sunday, in what promises to be an exciting encounter. Napoli will aim to extend their superb run of form, having secured six wins in their last seven matches, while Empoli will look to remain unbeaten at home this season.
Empoli have proven difficult to beat under their new coach, Roberto D’Aversa, and their defensive strength has been a highlight at the Castellani. Despite losing 2-1 to Lazio before the international break, the Tuscans are yet to lose at home this season, securing three consecutive 0-0 draws against Monza, Juventus, and Fiorentina. They currently sit in 10th place with 10 points from seven games, which is impressive given their battle for survival last season.
The home side have traditionally done well against Napoli at home, with five wins in their last seven Serie A encounters against the Neapolitans, and they have managed to score more goals against Napoli (30) than any other team in the top flight. As they prepare to host the league leaders, they will aim to frustrate the visitors and perhaps extend their streak of home clean sheets.
Napoli, under Antonio Conte, have hit their stride this season. Their 3-1 win over Como before the break extended their unbeaten run to six matches, and they now sit atop the Serie A standings with 19 points from seven games. The victory featured early goals from Scott McTominay, Romelu Lukaku, and David Neres, showcasing the team’s firepower.
What’s even more impressive is that 11 different players have already scored for Napoli this season, emphasizing the depth and versatility in their squad. Their summer recruitment drive, including the additions of Lukaku and McTominay, has given them a much-needed boost, and without the distraction of European football, they have been able to focus on the domestic campaign.
However, Napoli’s record at Stadio Castellani has been historically poor, with just two wins in 11 top-flight visits. To continue their title charge, they will need to improve on this record and overcome Empoli’s solid defence. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Empoli FC
Empoli will once again rely on Devis Vasquez in goal, as the AC Milan loanee continues to impress with the highest save percentage in Serie A (82%). Despite their solid defensive work at home, Empoli will be without key players Samuele Perisan and Tyronne Ebuehi, both sidelined with injuries, along with long-term absentee Saba Sazonov. However, Szymon Zurkowski might make a return to the bench, recovering from a calf issue just in time.
In terms of formation, Empoli are expected to set up in a 3-4-2-1 system. Devis Vasquez will start between the posts, with Sebastiano Esposito the focal point of the attacking line. The three-man defence will feature Ardian Ismajli, Saba Goglichidze, and Mattia Viti, while Emmanuel Gyasi and Giuseppe Pezzella will operate as wing-backs.
In central midfield, Tino Anjorin will partner with Alberto Grassi to provide stability, with Sebastiano Esposito and Jacopo Fazzini offering support to their lone forward, Lorenzo Colombo. This formation will allow Empoli to remain solid at the back while hoping to counter-attack and exploit the spaces left by Napoli’s forward pressure.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Grassi, Anjorin, Pezzella; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo
SSC Napoli
Napoli will have to make adjustments in midfield as Stanislav Lobotka picked up an injury while on duty with Slovakia. Antonio Conte is expected to bring in Billy Gilmour to form a midfield trio alongside Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Scott McTominay. The latter has been in excellent form, contributing to a goal in each of his last three club appearances.
On the left side of defence, Mathias Olivera is a doubt after suffering a knock while playing for Uruguay, which could see Leonardo Spinazzola step in at left-back. Elia Caprile is set to continue between the sticks, deputising for the injured Alex Meret.
Romelu Lukaku will lead the attack, having worked on his fitness during the international break. He will be flanked by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left and either Matteo Politano or David Neres on the right. Notably, Neres has been highly efficient since his arrival, with a goal involvement every 23 minutes, while Lukaku has averaged a contribution every 45 minutes, placing them at the top of this metric across Europe’s top leagues.
In terms of formation, Napoli will set up in a 4-3-3. Elia Caprile will start in goal, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo at right-back, Amir Rrahmani and Alessandro Buongiorno as the central defensive pairing, and Leonardo Spinazzola filling in at left-back.
The midfield trio will consist of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, and Scott McTominay. Up front, Matteo Politano or David Neres will play on the right wing, Romelu Lukaku will lead the line as the central striker, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will operate on the left wing.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Caprile; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Spinazzola; Anguissa, Gilmour, McTominay; Politano, Lukaku, Kvaratskhelia
Key Stats
- Empoli have won eight of their 22 Serie A matches (D5 L9) against Napoli, the most wins they have recorded against any team in the competition (equaling their record against Torino and Cagliari). Additionally, Napoli is the team against which Empoli have scored the most goals (30) in Serie A.
- Empoli have won five of their last seven Serie A games against Napoli (L2), including both fixtures last season with 1-0 victories, after previously losing four consecutive meetings.
- Napoli have only managed two wins from their last 11 Serie A away games (D4 L5) against Empoli, with their most recent victories coming on 25 February 2023 (2-0) and 19 March 2017 (3-2).
- Empoli have drawn 0-0 in each of their first three home Serie A games this season (against Monza, Juventus, and Fiorentina) and could become the first team in top-flight history to register goalless draws in their first four home matches of a season.
- Empoli are unbeaten in their last seven league home matches (W3 D4) and are attempting to extend this streak, which could be their longest in Serie A since a run of 11 unbeaten home games between December 2006 and May 2007 under Luigi Cagni.
Player to Watch
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Kvaratskhelia is arguably Napoli’s most influential player, known for his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and creativity on the left wing. The Georgian winger has the ability to break open defences and create scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates.
With his eye for goal and sharp attacking instincts, Kvaratskhelia is expected to be a key figure in Napoli’s attack against Empoli. His capacity to change the course of a game with a moment of brilliance makes him the player to watch in this encounter.
Prediction
Empoli 1-2 Napoli
While Empoli will be tough to break down at home, Napoli’s form and firepower give them the edge. Expect the visitors to find a way past Empoli’s defence, but the hosts may also have a say in what could be a closely contested match. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Antonio Conte and his charges.
