As the curtain falls on 2024, Empoli and Genoa prepare to face off in a pivotal Serie A encounter at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday afternoon. Both sides enter the match looking to bounce back from recent defeats against title contenders, with Empoli narrowly losing to league leaders Atalanta and Genoa falling to Napoli.
Empoli currently sit 11th in the table on 19 points, three ahead of 13th-placed Genoa. The home side have exceeded expectations so far this season, but their recent form has been inconsistent. They’ve managed just one win in their last six Serie A matches, most recently suffering a heart-breaking 3-2 loss to Atalanta despite taking an early lead.
Genoa, under new manager Patrick Vieira, had been on an impressive four-match unbeaten run before their defeat to Napoli. The Grifone have shown significant defensive improvement since Vieira’s appointment, recording three clean sheets in that span.
An intriguing subplot to this match is the contrasting home and away records of the two teams. Empoli have struggled mightily at the Castellani this season, scoring a paltry two goals in eight home matches – the lowest tally across Europe’s top five leagues. Their away form, however, has been considerably better.
Conversely, Genoa come into this match on a three-game away streak without conceding, having shut out Parma, Udinese, and AC Milan in recent weeks. This newfound defensive solidity on the road could prove crucial against an Empoli side that has found goals hard to come by at home.
History favours Genoa in this fixture, as they are unbeaten in their last nine Serie A meetings with Empoli, drawing each of the last four. However, the Grifone will need to overcome their poor record in year-ending fixtures, having won just one of their last 15 such matches in Serie A.
For Empoli, the strike partnership of Lorenzo Colombo and Sebastiano Esposito will be crucial. Esposito, who once scored against Genoa for Inter Milan at just 17 years old, will be eager to replicate that feat for his current club.
Genoa’s attack is led by former Inter striker Andrea Pinamonti, who enjoyed his most prolific Serie A season while on loan at Empoli in 2021-22, netting 13 times. His familiarity with the Castellani could prove advantageous for the visitors.
Team News
Both sides are dealing with injury concerns heading into this match. Empoli’s treatment room remains busy, with Pietro Pellegri, Ola Solbakken, Szymon Zurkowski, Tyronne Ebuehi, Saba Sazonov, and Nicolas Haas all side-lined. On a positive note, Jacopo Fazzini could be in line for a start after successfully returning from injury as a substitute, while Mattia De Sciglio is available again after serving a suspension.
Genoa’s injury list has shortened in recent weeks, with Koni De Winter and Jeff Ekhator back in training. However, Junior Messias and Ruslan Malinovskyi remain unavailable for selection.
Expected Starting XIs
Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Cacace; Gyasi, Anjorin, Henderson, Maleh, Pezzella; Esposito, Colombo
Genoa: Leali; Sabelli, Bani, Vasquez, Martin; Frendrup, Badelj, Miretti; Zanoli, Pinamonti, Vitinha
Match Prediction
Given Genoa’s recent defensive solidity away from home and Empoli’s struggles in front of their own fans, this match could be a tight, low-scoring affair. Vieira’s tactical acumen may give Genoa the edge, potentially resulting in a narrow 1-0 victory for the visitors. However, with both teams desperate for points to climb the table, an closely-fought encounter is all but guaranteed.
Prediction: Empoli 0-1 Genoa
