Empoli vs Salernitana Prediction & Tips
Empoli squandered a two-goal lead for the first time in Serie A (SA) since January 1999 in losing 4-2 to Inter Milan last time out, and have now recorded just one win in their last 20 games (E8, P11). Their lethargy could be attributed to the fact that their top-flight status has already been secured, but Davide Nicola’s presence on the opposition bench should propel Empoli towards recovery as they look to avoid losing three consecutive games in SA for the first time since December 2018.
That’s because it was Crotone, then managed by Nicola, who condemned Empoli to relegation in 2017 on a miraculous final day, and ironically a win in this clash for the home side could send Nicola’s current side Salernitana back to the relegation zone. Scoring first may not help that goal, as Empoli are the team with the fewest points (five) at home in this SA campaign when they have opened the scoring (G1, E2, P2).
A dramatic goal in the 99th min gave Salernitana a 1-1 draw against direct relegation rivals Cagliari, but they are still in the hunt for one of the greatest escapes from relegation. The away side have recorded the club’s longest unbeaten run in this competition (G4, E2), so morale should be high despite recording their most draws (nine) in a top flight season.
Their away form reflects Salernitana’s resurgence, with seven points gained during their last three away games, scoring first on each occasion. Starting like that again could calm their nerves on a visit that is not particularly high on Salernitana’s wish list after losing nine of their 12 away meetings with Empoli (G2, E1), although the only time they beat them in the top flight was at this venue.
Players to watch: Andrea Pinamonti has scored Empoli’s last goal in seven of the last ten games in which he has found the opposition goal in SA, with all of those games seeing both teams score. The same has been true in the nine SA games in which Federico Bonazzoli has scored in this campaign, and on eight occasions he was Salernitana’s first scorer.
Big Fact: Empoli have lost in both halves at home in nine games this campaign — the most in the league.
Empoli – Salernitana FREE TIPS
Salernitana – Win @ 3.25
