As Empoli prepare to host Torino at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Friday evening, both teams find themselves in need of a morale-boosting victory. With Empoli coming off a strong performance in both league and cup competitions, they will be eager to extend their positive momentum against a Torino side that has been struggling to find form.
Empoli’s recent resurgence began with a thrilling Coppa Italia victory over local rivals Fiorentina, followed by an impressive 4-1 win against Hellas Verona in their last Serie A outing. This victory was particularly significant for the Azzurri, as Sebastiano Esposito scored twice, helping the team climb into the top half of the league standings. Currently sitting in 10th place with 19 points, Empoli is looking to build on their success and potentially move closer to the European spots.
In contrast, Torino have been experiencing a rough patch, with their last league win dating back to October 25 against Como. The Granata have struggled significantly since then, managing only one point from their last five matches. Their most recent encounter ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Genoa, leaving them in 12th place with just 16 points. The absence of star striker Duvan Zapata due to injury has severely impacted their attacking capabilities, contributing to their ongoing goal drought.
Empoli’s head coach Roberto D’Aversa will likely emphasize a strong start against Torino, who have shown vulnerabilities early in matches. With several key players missing due to injury, including former Torino forward Pietro Pellegri, D’Aversa will rely on Esposito and his fellow attackers to capitalize on any defensive lapses from the visitors.
Torino’s manager, Paolo Vanoli, faces the challenge of revitalizing his squad’s confidence. With injuries sidelining important players like Zapata and Ivan Ilic, Vanoli must find a way to instill belief within his team. The return of versatile players such as Nikola Vlasic could provide a much-needed boost to their attacking options.
Team News
Empoli will be without several players due to injuries, including Pellegri, Szymon Zurkowski, Tyronne Ebuehi, Nicolas Haas, and Jacopo Fazzini. Additionally, Liam Henderson is suspended for this match. Despite these setbacks, the emergence of Sebastiano Esposito as a key player could prove vital for Empoli’s attacking strategy.
On the other hand, Torino will miss Duvan Zapata and Perr Schuurs due to long-term injuries. Ilic’s absence further complicates matters for Vanoli as he seeks to find a winning combination. The decision of whether to reintegrate Vlasic into the starting lineup remains uncertain after his recent benching.
Expected Starting XIs
Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Anjorin, Maleh, Cacace, Pezzella; Esposito, Colombo
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic; Walukiewicz, Coco, Masina; Pedersen, Vlasic, Ricci, Gineitis, Lazaro; Adams, Sanabria
Match Prediction
Given both teams’ current form and circumstances surrounding this fixture, a closely contested match is expected. While Empoli aim to maintain their upward trajectory following recent successes, Torino will be desperate for points to avoid slipping further down the table. A draw or possibly a slender home win seems the likely outcome.
Prediction: Empoli 2 – 1 Torino
