The second half of the Serie A season kicks off with a crucial clash between relegation-threatened Hellas Verona and Empoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on Saturday.
With just a point separating these struggling sides, the outcome of this match could have a significant impact on their fight for survival.
Match Preview:
Hellas Verona showed signs of promise with a win over Cagliari before the Christmas break, but their recent form has been underwhelming.
Back-to-back defeats against bottom-placed Salernitana and league leaders Inter Milan have dampened their spirits.
Despite a valiant effort against Inter, Verona suffered misfortune, with two incidents going against them. Marco Baroni’s men now find themselves in the bottom three, eager to bounce back and secure vital points.
Empoli, on the other hand, have struggled both at home and away. Their away form has been slightly better than their abysmal home record, with two victories and two draws in nine road matches.
However, they haven’t tasted victory since their impressive win against Napoli in November. Last weekend’s defeat against AC Milan extended their winless run to seven games, leaving them desperate for a change in fortune.
Team News:
Verona will be without Darko Lazovic, who was sent off in their previous match against Inter. Pawel Dawidowicz’s muscle injury could also keep him sidelined until the end of January.
Empoli, meanwhile, have their share of injury concerns. Jacopo Fazzini and Tyronne Ebuehi are expected to return late in January, while Simone Bastoni is unlikely to feature until next month.
Gabriele Guarino is doubtful, and Giuseppe Pezzella’s return from a back injury remains uncertain.
Form Guide:
Hellas Verona: D-D-L-W-L-L
Empoli: D-D-L-L-D-L
Possible Lineups:
Hellas Verona:
Montipo;
Tchatchoua, Coppola, Magnani, Doig;
Duda, Suslov, Folorunsho;
Mboula, Djuric, Ngonge
Empoli:
Caprile;
Bereszynski, Walukiewicz, Luperto, Cacace;
Marin, Grassi, Maleh;
Baldanzi;
Caputo, Cambiaghi
Prediction: Hellas Verona 1-1 Empoli
With three of the last four meetings between these teams ending in a 1-1 draw, another low-scoring stalemate could be on the cards at the Bentegodi on Saturday.
Both sides will be desperate for a win, but considering their recent form and the historical trend, a 1-1 draw seems likely.