A crucial battle in the fight for Serie A survival is set to unfold at Stadio Bentegodi on Sunday as Hellas Verona host Empoli. Both teams find themselves in precarious positions, with Verona’s promising start to the season a distant memory and Empoli’s early form having taken a nosedive.
Hellas Verona’s recent form has been a cause for concern. After a 5-0 thrashing by Inter Milan, they suffered a potentially more damaging 1-0 defeat to relegation rivals Cagliari. The Scaligeri’s defensive woes have been particularly troubling, conceding in each of their last 11 top-flight fixtures at an alarming rate of 2.7 goals per game.
Despite losing their last three matches, the congested nature of the bottom half of the table has kept Verona just outside the drop zone. However, this weekend’s results could see their position change dramatically, putting immense pressure on head coach Paolo Zanetti as he faces his former club.
Empoli’s recent league form mirrors that of their hosts, with just one win in their last nine Serie A matches. However, they received a significant morale boost midweek with a dramatic Coppa Italia victory over Tuscan rivals Fiorentina, advancing to the quarter-finals via a penalty shootout.
The Azzurri currently sit four points ahead of Verona in the standings, but their historical record at the Bentegodi is not encouraging. Empoli haven’t tasted top-flight success at this venue in nine years and are winless in their last six league encounters against Verona.
Lorenzo Colombo, on loan from Milan, could be crucial for Empoli. The striker has a history of success against Verona, scoring a brace at the Bentegodi last season. For the hosts, the creativity of Darko Lazovic and the finishing of Thomas Henry will be vital in breaking down Empoli’s defence.
Team News
Verona face several absences, with Juan Cruz, Ondrej Duda, Dani Silva, and Martin Frese out injured. Diego Coppola’s suspension could see Pawel Dawidowicz return to the starting lineup.
Empoli’s injury list remains extensive, with key players like Szymon Zurkowski and Tyronne Ebuehi still sidelined. Roberto D’Aversa is expected to field a strong XI after rotating his squad for the midweek cup tie.
Expected Starting XIs
Hellas Verona : Montipo; Tchatchoua, Ghilardi, Magnani, Bradaric; Serdar, Belahyane; Suslov, Kastanos, Lazovic; Tengstedt
Empoli possible: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Anjorin, Henderson, Maleh, Pezzella; Colombo, Pellegri
Match Prediction
While both teams are struggling for form, Empoli’s recent cup success and slightly better league position give them a slight edge. The visitors’ ability to perform away from home, coupled with Verona’s defensive frailties, could see Empoli edge a close contest.
Prediction: Verona 0-2 Empoli
