Empoli vs Juventus: Serie A Clash at Stadio Carlo Castellani
Empoli vs Juventus: Empoli’s three-game unbeaten streak will face a serious test on Saturday afternoon. Juventus is set to visit Stadio Carlo Castellani for Matchday No. 4 of the Serie A season.
The hosts have been one of the most pleasant surprises at the start of the 2024/25 Serie A campaign.
They have taken five points from their opening three games and will enter this match on the back of a significant 1-1 stalemate at Bologna.
🗓️Fixtures Matchweek 4 #SerieA📸 pic.twitter.com/qZSydjoLmk
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) September 12, 2024
Empoli’s Strong Start
A New Era Under Roberto D’Aversa
Roberto D’Aversa took over as Empoli’s head coach in July, replacing Davide Nicola. His arrival has sparked a positive change in the team’s performance. D’Aversa has instilled a sense of confidence and tactical discipline in the squad. The players have responded well, showcasing their potential in the early stages of the season.
Empoli’s recent form has been impressive. They managed to secure points against tough opponents, demonstrating resilience and determination. The draw against Bologna was a testament to their fighting spirit, even though they struggled to create clear chances.
Key Players to Watch
Empoli’s success has been driven by several key players. The midfield has been particularly strong, with players like Samuele Ricci and Filippo Bandinelli providing stability and creativity. Their ability to control the game will be crucial against a formidable opponent like Juventus.
Juventus: A Strong Contender
Thiago Motta’s Impact
Juventus has also made a strong start to the season under the guidance of Thiago Motta. The former Bologna coach led his new team to a top-four finish last year. This season, he has continued to build on that success. Juventus began the campaign with back-to-back 3-0 victories, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
However, their momentum was halted by a goalless draw against Roma two weeks ago. Despite dominating possession, Juventus failed to convert their chances into goals. This result raised questions about their attacking efficiency, which they will need to address against Empoli.
Defensive Strength
One of Juventus’s standout features this season has been their defense. They have yet to concede a goal, which speaks volumes about their organization at the back. Players like Danilo and Gleison Bremer have been instrumental in maintaining this solid defensive record. Their ability to neutralize opposing attacks will be vital in the upcoming match.
Empoli vs Juventus Prediction
Analyzing Recent Form
Empoli managed to secure a point in their previous match against Bologna, but they were fortunate to do so. The team only managed four shots in total at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. This lack of offensive firepower could be a concern as they prepare to face Juventus, who are yet to concede a goal this season.
Historically, Empoli has struggled against Juventus. In their last 28 encounters, they have lost 20 times, drawn 4, and won only 4. This poor record adds pressure on the hosts as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite Juventus’s recent goalless draw against Roma, they remain the favorites for this match. The odds for an away win are set at 1.72, reflecting their strong start to the season. Given Empoli’s struggles in front of goal and Juventus’s solid defense, backing the away win seems like a sensible choice.
Additionally, two of Empoli’s three league matches have ended with fewer than three goals scored. With Juventus yet to concede, an alternative betting option could be the Under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.66. This bet aligns with the trend of low-scoring games involving Empoli.
