The Stadio Carlo Castellani is set to host a captivating Tuscan derby on Sunday evening as high-flying Empoli welcome regional rivals Fiorentina in a crucial Serie A clash.
Empoli have made their best-ever start to a Serie A campaign, remaining unbeaten after five matches with two wins and three draws. Roberto D’Aversa’s side have defied expectations, securing impressive results against Champions League qualifiers Bologna and Juventus, while also stunning Roma in the capital.
The Azzurri’s excellent form continued last weekend with a 2-0 victory at Cagliari, thanks to goals from Lorenzo Colombo and Sebastiano Esposito. Their momentum carried into midweek Coppa Italia action, where they upset Torino away from home to set up a last-16 clash against none other than Fiorentina.
In contrast, Fiorentina have endured a challenging start under new manager Raffaele Palladino. The Viola struggled through their Conference League playoff and failed to win any of their first four Serie A matches – their worst start in five years.
However, Fiorentina finally found their footing last weekend with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Lazio, courtesy of two penalties from summer signing Albert Gudmundsson. Now sitting 13th in the table, Palladino’s men are eager to build on that result and climb the standings.
This fixture marks only the third time in Serie A history that Empoli enter a match against Fiorentina with more points on the board. The Viola have struggled at the Castellani in recent years, winning just once in their last six visits.
Team News
Empoli will likely continue with their successful strike partnership of Colombo and Esposito, while Ardian Ismajli anchors a solid defense that has conceded just four goals in five league games.
For Fiorentina, the potential first start for Gudmundsson could provide a spark in attack. The Icelandic forward’s link-up with Moise Kean, who has a strong scoring record against Empoli, will be crucial to the visitors’ chances.
Both sides have injury concerns, with Empoli missing several players including Szymon Zurkowski and Tyronne Ebuehi. Fiorentina have doubts over Marin Pongracic and Rolando Mandragora but hope to have them available.
Expected Starting XIs
Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Pezzella; Anjorin, Esposito; Colombo
Fiorentina: De Gea; Dodo, Martinez Quarta, Pongracic, Biraghi; Cataldi, Bove; Colpani, Gudmundsson, Sottil; Kean
Match Prediction
While Empoli’s unbeaten run has been impressive, Fiorentina’s quality and newfound confidence from their recent win could prove decisive. The match promises to be a closely fought affair, but the Viola may just have enough to edge a 2-1 victory and spoil Empoli’s perfect start to the season.
Prediction: Empoli 2-1 Fiorentina
