Saturday evening sees an exciting matchup at Stadio Castellani as two undefeated teams, Empoli and Juventus, face off in Serie A action. Both sides have made impressive starts to the 2024-25 campaign, albeit with different expectations.
Juventus, under new manager Thiago Motta, have begun the season in formidable fashion. The Bianconeri have yet to concede a goal and sit joint-top of the table with seven points from three matches. Their attacking prowess has been equally impressive, netting six times in their opening two fixtures.
Motta’s revamped squad, featuring several summer signings and youth products, has shown a more proactive approach compared to recent seasons. The team boasts impressive statistics, including the fewest shots on target faced in Europe’s top five leagues and the best shot-conversion rate in Serie A.
However, Juventus will be looking to bounce back from a goalless draw against Roma before the international break. With a Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven looming, the Turin giants aim to maintain their perfect defensive record and secure a seventh win in eight visits to Empoli.
The hosts, Empoli, have defied expectations with their strong start to the season. Under new coach Roberto D’Aversa, the Azzurri remain unbeaten in their first three Serie A matches – a feat they’ve achieved only once before in their history. Their campaign has included draws with Monza and Bologna, as well as a surprising away victory over Roma.
Empoli’s recent home form is particularly encouraging, with the team unbeaten in six consecutive matches at Stadio Castellani across all competitions. This run of form, coupled with their shock 4-1 victory over Juventus in Tuscany less than two years ago, suggests that the visitors may face a stern test.
Team News
Both teams have injury concerns to navigate. Juventus expect to welcome back Khephren Thuram and Timothy Weah, while Nico Gonzalez and Teun Koopmeiners could make their first starts. Empoli, still without their manager on the touchline due to a suspension, will miss several key players but hope to have Giuseppe Pezzella and Jacopo Fazzini available.
Expected Starting XIs:
Empoli: Vasquez; De Sciglio, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Pezzella; Solbakken, Esposito; Colombo
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Savona, Gatti, Bremer, Cabal; Locatelli, Fagioli; Cambiaso, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic
