Stadio Carlo Castellani will be the stage for Sunday’s early kick-off as Empoli host Napoli in a crucial Serie A encounter. Empoli are aiming to bounce back from a narrow 2-1 loss to Lazio, but they’ve struggled to find a win at home, drawing each of their first three home games of the season. Their injury list includes Saba Sazonov, Szymon Zurkowski, Samuele Perisan, and Tyronne Ebuehi, which could further complicate matters for the hosts.
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Napoli, under Antonio Conte’s management, have been in excellent form in Serie A, particularly at home, where they maintain a 100% record. However, their performances on the road have been inconsistent, which could make this an interesting contest. Summer signing David Neres is pushing for a start after an impressive display in the 3-1 win over Como, while Romelu Lukaku is expected to lead the line. With goalkeeper Alex Meret sidelined, the visitors may face some defensive challenges. The match is scheduled for 11:30 on October 20, 2024.
Empoli vs Napoli: Important H2H Stats
As Empoli prepare to face Napoli at Stadio Carlo Castellani, let’s dive into the key head-to-head (H2H) stats and trends that could influence this Serie A encounter:
- Recent H2H Encounter: The last time these two teams met was on April 20, 2024, when Empoli secured a 1-0 victory at home. This result will boost Empoli’s confidence heading into this fixture.
- Current League Positions: Napoli are currently in 1st position in Serie A, while Empoli sit in 9th place, making this an important match for both teams as they pursue different objectives.
- Key Players:
- Empoli: Giuseppe Pezzella is the creative force for Empoli with 2 assists this season. Napoli will need to closely monitor him to limit his ability to create chances.
- Napoli: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is Napoli’s top scorer this season with 3 goals. Empoli’s defense will need to stay sharp to prevent him from adding to his tally.
- Disciplinary Concerns:
- Empoli: Giuseppe Pezzella has picked up 2 yellow cards this season, meaning his discipline could be tested in this match.
- Napoli: Stanislav Lobotka also has 2 yellow cards, and his role in midfield will require careful management to avoid a potential suspension.
- Scoring and Conceding Patterns:
- Empoli: The home side tends to strike early, scoring 33.3% of their goals between 0-15 minutes. Napoli will need to be vigilant from the start.
- Napoli: Napoli are most vulnerable late in games, conceding 35.7% of their goals between 75-90 minutes, which could give Empoli a chance if they stay in the game until the closing stages.
- Possession and Corners:
- Possession Stats: Napoli control the game more often, averaging 47.57% possession compared to Empoli’s 35.29%, suggesting Napoli may dominate play.
- Corners: Napoli also edge out Empoli slightly in terms of corners, averaging 4.29 corners per match to Empoli’s 4.00, indicating Napoli’s ability to create set-piece opportunities.
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) Stats: Empoli have seen BTTS in 42.86% of their matches, while Napoli have BTTS in 28.57% of their games, suggesting Napoli’s defense is strong, though Empoli may find opportunities to score.
These key H2H stats provide valuable insights into the strengths and vulnerabilities of both teams. Empoli’s early goal-scoring tendency and Napoli’s late-game defensive issues will be critical areas to watch in this contest.
Empoli Vs Napoli Season Stats
| Performance Summary | Empoli | Napoli |
|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 2 | 5 |
| Home Wins | 0 | 4 |
| Away Wins | 2 | 1 |
| Total Draws | 4 | 1 |
| Home Draws | 3 | 0 |
| Away Draws | 1 | 1 |
| Total Lost | 1 | 1 |
| Home Losses | 0 | 0 |
| Away Losses | 1 | 1 |
| Total Goals For | 6 | 14 |
| Home Goals For | 0 | 10 |
| Away Goals For | 6 | 4 |
| Total Goals Against | 4 | 5 |
| Home Goals Against | 0 | 2 |
| Away Goals Against | 4 | 3 |
| Total Clean Sheet | 4 | 4 |
| Home Clean Sheet | 3 | 2 |
| Away Clean Sheet | 1 | 2 |
| Total Failed To Score | 3 | 2 |
| Home Failed To Score | 3 | 0 |
| Away Failed To Score | 0 | 2 |
| Total Av Goals Scored | 0.86 | 2 |
| Home Av Goals Scored | 0 | 2.5 |
| Away Av Goals Scored | 1.5 | 1.33 |
| Total Av Goals Conceded | 0.57 | 0.71 |
| Home Av Goals Conceded | 0 | 0.5 |
| Away Av Goals Conceded | 1 | 1 |
| Total 1st Goal Scored | 23m | 35m |
| Home 1st Goal Scored | 0m | 40m |
| Away 1st Goal Scored | 23m | 18m |
| Total 1st Goal Conceded | 42m | 37m |
| Home 1st Goal Conceded | 42m | 50m |
| Away 1st Goal Conceded | 0m | 31m |
| Goals Scoring Minutes | Empoli | Napoli |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | 2 (33.3%) | 1 (7.1%) |
| 15-30 | 0 (0%) | 2 (14.3%) |
| 30-45 | 2 (33.3%) | 2 (14.3%) |
| 45-60 | 1 (16.7%) | 1 (7.1%) |
| 60-75 | 1 (16.7%) | 3 (21.4%) |
| 75-90 | 0 (0%) | 5 (35.7%) |
| Goals Conceded Minutes | Empoli | Napoli |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | 1 (25%) | 0 (0%) |
| 15-30 | 0 (0%) | 1 (20%) |
| 30-45 | 1 (25%) | 1 (20%) |
| 45-60 | 0 (0%) | 1 (20%) |
| 60-75 | 0 (0%) | 1 (20%) |
| 75-90 | 2 (50%) | 1 (20%) |
| Combined Match Stats | Empoli | Napoli |
|---|---|---|
| Attacks | 535 | 680 |
| Dangerous Attacks | 203 | 335 |
| Av Possession Percent | 35.29 | 47.57 |
| Fouls | 109 | 82 |
| Av Fouls Per Game | 15.57 | 11.71 |
| Offside | 9 | 13 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 14 | 9 |
| Shots Blocked | 19 | 36 |
| Shots Off Target | 25 | 37 |
| Av Shots Off Target | 3.57 | 5.29 |
| Shots On Target | 18 | 30 |
| Av Shots On Target | 2.57 | 4.29 |
| Total Corners | 28 | 30 |
| Av Corners | 4.00 | 4.29 |
| BTTS | 42.86 | 28.57 |
| Av Player Rating Per Match | 6.64 | 6.74 |
| Tackles | 130 | 105 |
| Total Match Goals Percentages | Empoli | Napoli | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Away | Home | Away | |
| Over 0.5 | 0 | 100 | 100 | 66.67 |
| Over 1.5 | 0 | 100 | 100 | 66.67 |
| Over 2.5 | 0 | 50 | 75 | 66.67 |
| Over 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 33.33 |
| Over 4.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Over 5.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Under 0.5 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Under 1.5 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Under 2.5 | 100 | 50 | 25 | 33.33 |
| Under 3.5 | 100 | 100 | 75 | 66.67 |
| Under 4.5 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Under 5.5 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Empoli vs Napoli Prediction
Based on current form and key stats, Napoli come into this match as favorites despite playing away from home. Napoli’s position at the top of Serie A and their attacking firepower, led by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with 3 goals, gives them a strong advantage. While Napoli have had some inconsistencies on the road, their ability to control possession and create set-piece opportunities should give them enough chances to break through Empoli’s defense.
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Empoli, however, cannot be underestimated, especially after their recent home victory over Napoli in April. Their ability to score early (33.3% of their goals in the opening 15 minutes) could put pressure on Napoli’s defense, particularly if they catch them off guard. Empoli’s injuries and lower possession stats may hold them back, but they have proven capable of competing with top sides at home.
While Napoli may be vulnerable in the final stages of the match, Empoli’s inconsistency in front of goal could limit their chances of securing a result. Napoli’s superior overall quality and depth, with players like Romelu Lukaku and David Neres potentially impacting the game, should give them the edge.
Predicted Scoreline: Empoli 1-2 Napoli
Napoli’s attacking strength and ability to dominate possession should see them secure a narrow win. Empoli may find the net, but Napoli’s firepower and depth should be enough to take all three points in a competitive match.