Another international break down the drain and Seria A is back with a full round of exciting matches. Empoli will face Napoli at the opening fixture on Sunday.
Empoli's brilliant streak ended right before the break when they allowed Lazio to come back from an early 0:1. This was Empoli's first defeat of the new season in all competitions. The team still boasts the second-best defence in the entire league but they have to start creating more chances.
Napoli have not looked this strong since their championship season and remain at the top of the table. The team benefits from the lack of European football this season as they have to play a reduced number of fixtures when compared to all other title contenders.
The team suffered an early defeat in the opening round but has been undefeated since then. Their goal difference in the last six rounds is 14:2 and they scored 2+ goals in all games but the 0:0 draw with Juventus.
Empoli have the most curious stat at home this season. Three draws and zero goals on either end. Their goal difference at Stadio Carlo Castellani is 0:0 but if there is one team that could change that, it is Napoli.
How the bookies view it: Napoli to remain at the top
Despite Empoli's impressive defensive performance this season, the visitors have a considerable advantage in odds ahead of this match. Betano priced them at 7/10 to win, while the hosts sit at 22/5. Alternatively, you can pick the draw at 37/14.
Recent head to head: Should Napoli be worried?
Empoli have been Napoli's kryptonite in recent years and the Parthenopeans often lost crucial points against them. Both sides won five games each from the last 10 H2Hs, with Empoli winning both fixtures last season.
Players to watch: Lukaku loves the blue jersey
Hate him or love him, Romelu Lukaku is a prolific scorer and a proper team player. The Belgian striker joined Napoli in late August and immediately made an impact in his new club. Lukaku has played six games in total for the team since then and contributed three goals and five assists.
He also already has three goals against Empoli from previous seasons when he faced them with Inter and Roma. He wasn't part of Belgium's squad during the international break and should be well-rested, fit, and ready to score on Sunday.
Probable line-ups
Empoli: Vasquez, Ismajli, Viti, Pezzella, Goglichidze, Anjorin, Grassi, Gyasi, Fazzini, Solbakken, Esposito
Napoli: Caprile, Di Lorenzo, Olivera, Buonguirno, Rrahmani, Lobotka, McTominay, Anguissa, Politano, Lukaku, Kvaratskhelia
Anything else catch the eye?
Empoli remain undefeated at home but they were never close to winning either one of the three Seria A games to date. We saw three 0:0 draws in a row, and the team never broke 1.00 xG. Napoli's defence has been exceptional this season, as long as we count out the opening round.
We find it hard to expect a high-scoring contest here and the visitors should be able to keep a clean sheet against Empoli. Statistically, this should either be a 0:1 or a 0:2 and we back the bigger scoreline mainly because Gli Azzurri scored 14 goals in their last five fixtures.
This Serie A match between Empoli and Napoli will be played on Oct 20, 2024 and kick off at 11:30. Check below for our tipsters best Empoli vs Napoli prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
