Juventus vs Empoli: Preview and Prediction

Juventus will hope to move up the standings when they take on Empoli on Sunday.

Juventus will look to bounce back from a rough patch of form that includes back-to-back defeats when they welcome Empoli this weekend. A disappointing 2-0 loss to SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League saw Juve slide to 20th in the standings, forcing them into a challenging route in the knockout rounds.

On the domestic front, their 2-1 defeat to Napoli last weekend further highlighted their struggles, leaving them winless in three matches. Despite their recent issues, Juventus remain unbeaten at home in Serie A this season, which serves as a significant morale booster.

The Bianconeri have historically dominated Empoli in Turin, winning 80% of their encounters. Manager Thiago Motta, however, is under growing pressure to improve results, as Juventus’ current tally of just eight wins from 22 league games is their worst at this stage of a season since 1988.

With new signing Randal Kolo Muani making an instant impact by scoring on his debut, Juventus will hope his presence can help reignite their faltering attack. A victory on Sunday is crucial to steady their campaign and maintain their strong home record.

Empoli arrive in Turin facing their own challenges, sitting dangerously close to the Serie A relegation zone. A 1-1 draw with Bologna last week extended their winless streak to seven matches. While their form at Stadio Castellani has been dismal, with just one win all season, they have fared better on the road, which may give them some hope of an upset against Juventus.

Empoli’s record against Juve has improved in recent years, having secured draws in their last two meetings, including a 0-0 stalemate in September’s reverse fixture. Historically, though, the Azzurri have struggled against the Turin giants, winning only once in their last four encounters after losing 10 of the previous 11.

For Empoli, the challenge will be to replicate their road resilience and take advantage of Juventus’s current vulnerabilities. Manager Davide Nicola will rely on Lorenzo Colombo, who scored against Bologna, to produce a solid performance. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

Juventus

Thiago Motta faces some defensive adjustments this weekend as first-choice centre-back Pierre Kalulu is sidelined with a muscular injury. To fill the gap, either new signing Renato Veiga or midfielder Manuel Locatelli may slot into the backline. Meanwhile, Andrea Cambiaso, who has been the subject of Premier League transfer rumours, is expected to return to the squad after missing the midweek defeat against Benfica due to an ankle issue.

Randal Kolo Muani, who scored on his league debut against Napoli, will look to make history by becoming the first Juventus player since Carlos Tevez in 2013 to find the net in his first two Serie A games. The French forward is likely to lead the line, with Dusan Vlahovic potentially dropping to the bench. The attacking midfield trio of Kenan Yildiz, Teun Koopmeiners, and Facundo Gonzalez could provide support from behind.

Juventus are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mattia Perin will guard the goal, with a back four comprising Nicolo Savona at right-back, Federico Gatti and Renato Veiga as the central defenders, and Andrea Cambiaso slotting in at left-back.

The midfield pivot is expected to feature Manuel Locatelli and Marcus Thuram, providing a balance of defensive solidity and forward thrust. In the attacking third, Kenan Yildiz will operate on the right wing, Facundo Gonzalez on the left, and Teun Koopmeiners in the central playmaker role. Randal Kolo Muani is set to lead the attack as the lone striker.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Perin; Savona, Gatti, Veiga, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Yildiz, Koopmeiners, Gonzalez; Kolo Muani

Juventus vs Empoli: Preview and Prediction.

Empoli

Empoli will look to Sebastiano Esposito to continue his fine form, having scored in each of his last four away matches. The Azzurri, however, are dealing with several injuries and suspensions, which could limit their options for this crucial clash.

Ola Solbakken remains sidelined alongside long-term absentees Pietro Pellegri, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, and Tyronne Ebuehi. Additionally, key defender Mattia Viti is a doubt due to an adductor issue. Davide Nicola also faces the challenge of replacing Alberto Grassi and Giuseppe Pezzella, both of whom are suspended.

Despite these setbacks, Nicola is expected to field a competitive lineup, with Esposito leading the attack and Lorenzo Colombo providing support. The team will aim to counter Juventus with a mix of resilience at the back and quick transitions.

Empoli are likely to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation. Devis Vasquez will start in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Saba Goglichidze, Ardian Ismajli, and Mattia De Sciglio.

In the midfield, Emmanuel Gyasi and Liberato Cacace will operate as wing-backs, with Liam Henderson and Tino Anjorin providing stability in the centre. Jacopo Fazzini and Sebastiano Esposito are set to play in advanced midfield roles, supporting the lone striker, Lorenzo Colombo.

This setup aims to utilise the pace and creativity of their attacking players while maintaining defensive solidity to contain Juventus’s attacking threats.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, De Sciglio; Gyasi, Henderson, Anjorin, Cacace; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo

Juventus vs Empoli: Preview and Prediction.

Key Stats

  • Juventus have won just one of their last four Serie A games against Empoli (D2, L1), despite having won 10 of their previous 11 meetings (L1). Interestingly, the last two matches between the sides ended in draws.
  • Empoli have only avoided defeat in seven of their last 24 Serie A matches against Juventus (W3, D4). Notably, five of these positive results occurred in the second half of the season.
  • Juventus have won 80% of their Serie A home matches against Empoli (W12 D2 L1). Among current Serie A opponents, only Hellas Verona (85%) have a worse record at Juventus in terms of the home win percentage.
  • Empoli have only won one of their last 14 Serie A games played on Sunday at 12:30 PM (D4, L9). That victory was a 1-0 triumph against Napoli in November 2023. Empoli failed to score in 10 of those 14 matches.
  • Juventus are the only unbeaten team at home in Serie A this season and have the most draws on home soil (7). Following their 2-0 victory against AC Milan, Juventus could secure back-to-back home wins in a single league season for the first time since January 2024, when they achieved three consecutive victories.

Player to Watch

Randal Kolo Muani

Embed from Getty Images

The French forward, who recently joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, made an immediate impact by scoring on his league debut against Napoli. This debut strike not only highlighted his ability to adapt quickly to new environments but also drew comparisons to Juventus icons such as Carlos Tevez, who similarly hit the ground running upon joining the Bianconeri.

Kolo Muani’s pace, physical presence, and intelligent movement make him a nightmare for defenders. Operating as the focal point of Juventus’s attack, his ability to hold up the ball and link play with supporting midfielders and wingers adds a new dimension to the team’s forward line.

Against Empoli, a team known for their defensive frailties, Kolo Muani’s sharpness in the final third and knack for exploiting space could prove decisive. In this match-up, he will be looking to become the first player since Tevez in 2013 to score in his first two league appearances for Juventus.

Prediction

Juventus 2-0 Empoli

Given Juventus’s unbeaten home record this season and Empoli’s struggles both at home and against higher-ranked opponents, the Bianconeri are clear favourites. While Empoli have shown occasional resilience on the road, Juve’s superior quality and home advantage should help them secure a much-needed win. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Thiago Motta and his charges.

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