Prediction: Empoli vs Napoli

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to extend on their remarkable Serie A purple patch this weekend, Napoli will travel to the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Sunday afternoon.

Empoli

Starting with the hosts, at the heart of a real Serie A struggle last season as they only just about clung to their Serie A status, many were tipping Empoli as a leading relegation candidate this time around. Nevertheless, despite heading into October’s international break with a 2-1 loss away at Lazio, Roberto D’Aversa’s side have rightfully received a string of praise from across Italy’s elite. Springing what was a heavyweight upset on August 25th as they claimed a famous 2-1 win away at Roma, the Tuscany-based outfit have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first nine competitive appearances across all competitions. Extending on their Coppa Italia adventure on September 24th as they secured a 2-1 victory against Torino, Empoli should be relishing a return from October’s international break this weekend. It should also be highlighted, D’Aversa’s camp have not conceded a single strike on home soil since opening up the new campaign.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Empoli will be unable to call upon the trio of Samuele Perisan, Tyronne Ebuehi and Saba Sazonov on Sunday afternoon. However, D’Aversa’s camp are hopeful that Polish international Szymon Zurkowski will be able to play some part this weekend.

Arriving from AC Milan on a season-long loan switch over the summer, Devis Vasquez will start between the sticks here. Notching two goals in his final three Serie A appearances prior to October’s international break, Sebastiano Esposito will lead Empoli’s charge in the final third.

Napoli

As for the visitors, only continuing on what has been a sensational rise following Antonio Conte’s arrival over the summer, Napoli are in the midst of a remarkable purple patch. Heading into October’s international break with a routine 3-1 romp at home against Como, the former Chelsea boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Currently leading the chase at the top of the Serie A standings and with many billing Sunday’s guests as a genuine title contender, the Blues have collected 16 points from just their previous six top-flight battles. Likewise, extending on their Coppa Italia adventure on September 26th following a 5-0 romp against Palermo, Conte’s side have continued to shine with their performances at both ends of the pitch. Along with winning each of their last three matchups across by an aggregate score of 10-1, they have also conceded just a single domestic strike since the end of August.

Team News

Forced to withdraw from Slovakia’s squad last week after picking up an injury issue, Napoli will be without the services of Stanislav Lobotka on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, also enduring his own injury frustration while away with Uruguay, left-back Mathias Olivera is seen as a real doubt this weekend.

Continuing to cement his spot as a real fan favourite after completing a summer switch from Manchester United, Scotland international Scott McTominay will feature here. Electing to spend the fortnight interval focusing on his fitness, Romelu Lukaku will spearhead Conte’s charge in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Empoli and Napoli last met back on April 20th, Sunday’s hosts collected a sensational 1-0 victory at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
• Napoli have collected 16 points from their opening seven Serie A appearances so far this season.
• Empoli have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first nine competitive appearances.
• The Tuscany-based outfit have not conceded a single goal in any of their first three Serie A showdowns in front of their own supporters.
• Each of the last four consecutive meetings between Empoli and Napoli have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Napoli might mark their return from October’s international break pencilled in as a standout contender, the Serie A leaders should have a stern challenge on their hands this weekend. Hit with an infamous 1-0 loss when they travelled to the Stadio Carlo Castellani, they will meet an Empoli side who have gained a reputation for their rugged defensive performances on home soil. In fact, Sunday’s hosts have not conceded a single goal from any of their first three Serie A showdowns in Tuscany.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet