A crucial mid-table clash awaits as Parma host Empoli at the Stadio Ennio Tardini on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Both sides will be eager to secure a much-needed victory and climb up the Serie A standings.
Parma enter this fixture sitting 17th in the table with 7 points from 8 matches. The newly-promoted side started the season brightly with a draw against Fiorentina and shock win over AC Milan, but have since gone six games without a victory. Their last outing saw them draw 1-1 away at Como, with Ange-Yoan Bonny’s clever back-heel finish salvaging a point.
Empoli find themselves in a slightly better position in 11th place with 10 points. However, Roberto D’Aversa’s men have lost their last two matches against heavyweights Napoli and Lazio. Prior to that, they had put together a decent run of form to pull clear of the relegation zone. The Azzurri will be keen to get back to winning ways and continue their solid away record this season.
History favors Parma in this fixture, with the Gialloblu boasting an impressive record of 8 wins and just 1 defeat against Empoli in Serie A. Their last competitive meeting came back in March 2019, ending in an entertaining 3-3 draw at the Stadio Castellani.
However, both teams have undergone significant changes since then and past results may count for little on Sunday. Empoli will take confidence from their improved away form this season as they look to upset the odds.
Despite their lowly league position, Parma have shown plenty of attacking intent this season. Their tally of 27 goals scored is respectable for a newly-promoted side. However, they have struggled to protect leads, often conceding late to drop points.
They’ll be up against an Empoli backline that has been fairly solid, conceding just 5 goals in 8 matches. The visitors have the best defensive record outside the top 4 and will aim to frustrate Parma’s forwards.
The midfield battle could prove decisive in determining the outcome. Parma’s Adrian Bernabe has been impressive in dictating play from deep, while Empoli will look to Liam Henderson to provide creativity further forward. Whichever side gains control in the center of the park will have a major advantage.
With goals likely to be at a premium, set-pieces could be crucial. Both teams have threats from dead-ball situations, with Parma’s Dennis Man and Empoli’s Sebastiano Luperto particularly dangerous. Defending corners and free-kicks will be vital.
Parma boss Fabio Pecchia was handed a new contract this week, highlighting the board’s faith in him despite recent results. He’ll be desperate to repay that trust with a win on Sunday.
“We’re creating chances but need to be more clinical,” Pecchia said. “The performances have been encouraging but it’s time to turn those into points. Empoli will be tough opponents but we believe we can get the victory our recent displays have deserved.”
Empoli manager Roberto D’Aversa returns to face his former club, having previously led Parma to promotion during his spell there. He’s been pleased with his side’s start but wants to see a reaction after consecutive defeats.
“We’ve made a solid start but there’s still room for improvement,” D’Aversa noted. “Parma are a dangerous team, especially at home, but we’ll go there with confidence and aim to play our game. If we perform to our capabilities, we can definitely get a positive result.”
Team News
Parma boss Fabio Pecchia has some defensive concerns to contend with. Center-back Yordan Osorio is sidelined after picking up an injury on international duty with Venezuela. Long-term absentee Alessandro Circati also remains out.
On a positive note, full-back Woyo Coulibaly returns from suspension and should slot straight back into the starting lineup in place of Antoine Hainaut.
Up front, Pecchia faces some selection dilemmas. Top scorer Ange-Yoan Bonny is likely to lead the line, but the wide positions are up for grabs. Romanian internationals Valentin Mihaila and Dennis Man will be pushing for recalls after being benched last week in favor of Matteo Cancellieri and Pontus Almqvist.
Man in particular will be eager to start, having been involved in the most open-play sequences ending with a shot (48) in Serie A this season. His creativity could be key to unlocking the Empoli defense.
The visitors have their own injury concerns to deal with. Goalkeeper Samuele Perisan and right-back Tyronne Ebuehi are both ruled out, while center-back Saba Sazonov remains a long-term absentee with an ACL injury.
Manager Roberto D’Aversa is likely to name a similar lineup to the one that narrowly lost to Napoli last time out. Lorenzo Colombo and Sebastiano Esposito should continue their partnership up front.
One player to watch is winger Emmanuel Gyasi, who is set to make his 150th Serie A appearance. The Ghanaian has fond memories of facing Parma, having scored his only top-flight brace against them back in 2021 while playing for Spezia.
Expected Starting XIs
Parma: Suzuki; Coulibaly, Del Prato, Balogh, Valeri; Keita, Bernabe; Man, Hernani, Mihaila; Bonny
Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti, Pezzella; Grassi, Anjorin, Fazzini; Gyasi; Esposito, Colombo
Match Prediction
This has all the makings of a tight, cagey affair between two evenly-matched sides. Parma’s attacking intent could see them create more chances, but Empoli’s defensive solidity may frustrate the hosts.
A moment of individual brilliance or a set-piece could prove decisive. Given Parma’s struggles to close out games, Empoli may fancy their chances of snatching something late on.
Both teams to score looks a good bet, but ultimately they may have to settle for a point apiece in what promises to be an intriguing contest. The draw would probably suit Empoli more as they look to maintain their position in mid-table.
Prediction: Parma 1-1 Empoli
