As Serie A action kicks off in the new year, both Venezia and Empoli are grappling with significant injury concerns that could shape their upcoming clash.
Venezia coach Eusebio Di Francesco faces a familiar predicament as the team’s injury list remains unchanged. Long-term absentee Michael Svoboda continues to be sidelined, along with Alfred Duncan, Richie Sagrado, and Antonio Raimondo. Despite these setbacks, Di Francesco might opt for consistency by fielding an unchanged starting eleven. However, competition for spots remains fierce, particularly on the left flank where Franco Carboni’s position is under scrutiny. There’s also speculation that Joel Pohjanpalo, last season’s Serie B top scorer, could replace John Yeboah in the forward position. One bright spot for Venezia is Gaetano Oristanio, who has been in impressive form at the Stadio Penzo, contributing to two goals in his last two home games.
On the opposing side, Empoli’s Sebastiano Esposito has been making waves as the youngest player to score more than five Serie A goals this season. The Inter Milan loanee has shown particular prowess in away games, netting five of his six goals on the road, including a remarkable three in the last two matches. Despite a recent penalty miss, Esposito is expected to partner with Lorenzo Colombo in Empoli’s attack.
Amidst the injury concerns, transfer rumors are swirling around Empoli’s promising young forward Jacopo Fazzini, with Lazio reportedly showing interest during the winter transfer window. Coach Roberto D’Aversa is keen to include Fazzini in the lineup, especially given the team’s extensive list of unavailable players. Empoli’s injury list is notably long, with Pietro Pellegri, Ola Solbakken, Szymon Zurkowski, Tyronne Ebuehi, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, and Mattia Viti all ruled out for the upcoming fixture.
Venezia (3-4-2-1): Stankovic; Altare, Idzes, Sverko; Zampano, Andersen, Nicolussi Caviglia, Ellertsson; Oristanio, Busio; Pohjanpalo
Empoli (3-5-2): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Pezzella; Gyasi, Anjorin, Grassi, Henderson, Cacace; Esposito, Colombo
