Empoli are set to face Torino in the Round of 16 of the Coppa Italia, looking to continue their impressive unbeaten start to the season. Manager Roberto D’Aversa is expected to make some changes to the lineup that defeated Cagliari in their last Serie A match, while maintaining the 3-4-2-1 formation that has served the team well so far.
In goal, Devis Vasquez is likely to retain his place. The defense could see the first start for new signing Mattia De Sciglio, alongside either Ardian Ismajli or Simone Marianucci, with Mattia Viti completing the back three.
The midfield is where most changes are anticipated. Junior Sambia and Giuseppe Pezzella could be deployed as wing-backs, while Szymon Żurkowski may partner with Tino Anjorin in central midfield. Anjorin, who has been impressive in recent games, is expected to keep his place in the starting eleven.
In attack, Sebastiano Esposito is likely to start after his goal-scoring performance against Cagliari. He could be joined by Jens Petter Hauge in supporting the lone striker, which is expected to be Pietro Pellegri.
Meanwhile, Torino manager Paolo Vanoli is expected to make some changes to his lineup while maintaining the team’s core strength. Despite their impressive league position, Torino cannot afford to be complacent against a confident Empoli side.
Vanoli is likely to stick with the successful 3-5-2 formation that has propelled Torino to the top of Serie A. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is expected to retain his place in goal, providing stability between the posts.
In defense, Saul Coco is set to be rested as he continues his recovery from a muscular issue sustained against Lecce. Guillermo Maripan is poised to step in, flanked by former Empoli player Sebastian Walukiewicz and Adam Masina.
The wing-back positions are likely to be occupied by Mads Pedersen and Valentino Lazaro, both preferred over Tomas Sosa. In midfield, Vanoli may opt to rest Ivan Ilic and Samuele Ricci, with Karol Linetty expected to orchestrate play from the center. Gvidas Gineitis and Adrien Tameze are set to complete the midfield trio.
Up front, the in-form Duvan Zapata is considered indispensable and will lead the line. Yann Karamoh is expected to partner him, as the French forward seeks his first goal of the season.
Possible Torino lineup (3-5-2): Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Maripan, Masina; Pedersen, Tameze, Linetty, Gineitis, Lazaro; Karamoh, Zapata.
Possible Empoli lineup (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; De Sciglio, Ismajli, Viti; Sambia, Żurkowski, Anjorin, Pezzella; Hauge, Esposito; Pellegri.
