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After a frustrating draw with Juventus, Inter may have a straightforward win over Empoli to continue their chase for the top.
Time & Venue
- Time: 17:30 GMT, October 30
- Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani
Form
Empoli
Empoli recently drew 1-1 with newly promoted Parma in a slow-paced match. Despite being dominated and only having one shot on target, Empoli managed a late equalizer through Gabriel Charpentier to secure a draw.
Under coach Roberto D’Aversa, Empoli started the season strong, advancing in the Coppa Italia and preparing to face Fiorentina in the Round of 16. However, their momentum has slowed after losses to Napoli and Lazio. With 11 points, Empoli sits in the upper half of the standings, but they have struggled historically against Inter, losing 13 of their last 14 meetings.
Inter
Inter missed the chance to consolidate the top spot with a thrilling 4-4 draw against Juventus. Despite scoring four goals against Juventus’ typically solid defense, Simone Inzaghi’s side failed to secure all three points.
Inter’s recent form remains impressive, with five consecutive wins prior to the Juventus match, including a 1-0 Champions League victory over Young Boys. The Nerazzurri have lost only once in their last 12 games and currently sit second in Serie A.
Squads:
Empoli
The hosts face several personnel issues. Key players, including goalkeeper Samuele Perisan, defender Tyronne Ebuehi, and Saba Sazonov, are still out with injuries. Young forward Sebastiano Esposito is also likely to miss out due to a thigh injury, making it difficult for Coach Roberto D’Aversa to field his preferred attacking duo of Esposito and Lorenzo Colombo (on loan from AC Milan).
Inter
Inter faces its own roster concerns. New signing Piotr Zielinski, who scored twice in his debut against Juventus, is dealing with a thigh issue and may be unavailable. This would be a significant loss for coach Simone Inzaghi, especially as versatile midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is also uncertain to play. Additionally, Inter’s defense is missing wing-back Carlos Augusto and experienced center-back Francesco Acerbi.
Projected Lineups
- Empoli: Vasquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Anjorin, Grassi, Pezzella; Fazzini, Solbakken; Colombo
- Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Darmian, Frattesi, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Taremi
Goal & Concession Rates
Match Outlook
Despite impressive away results, Empoli has yet to secure a home win in Serie A this season and has not scored at home in their four matches so far. With such form, beating Inter is almost an impossible task for the Tuscan team, especially with the Italian champions determined to bounce back after their draw against Juventus.
Score Prediction (according to Sportmole): 0-2