Napoli eager to remain at table top after Empoli clash.

2024-10-14

Empoli F.C. aims to reclaim their unbeaten form against top-of-the-table Napoli, who seek a third consecutive league win despite their recent travel struggles, as they clash this Sunday at Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Empoli

Empoli experienced their first defeat under manager Roberto D'Aversa, losing 2-1 to Lazio, which places them 10th in the standings. Sebastiano Esposito scored early, but Mattia Zaccagni equalized just before halftime.

Despite a strong performance, a late goal from Pedro denied Empoli at least a point, marking their first loss in 15 games. D'Aversa commented, "The boys put in an excellent performance. This defeat doesn’t change anything."

Following a two-week break, Empoli will face top-of-the-table Napoli this weekend and aim to rebound from their recent setback. Despite their historical success against Napoli, with five wins in their last seven Serie A encounters, concerns remain regarding their recent lack of goals at home.

Empoli has been unable to score in their last three league home games, each ending in a goalless draw. D'Aversa might opt for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Lorenzo Colombo leading the attack.

Napoli

Napoli will look to pick up where they left off before the international break, having secured a 3-1 win against newly promoted Como last time out. Scott McTominay put Napoli ahead, scoring his first goal for the club barely a minute into the game, but Antonio Conte’s men were pegged back just before the half-time break.

However, Romelu Lukaku's penalty early in the second half and a late strike by substitute David Neres secured all three points for Gli Azzurri. "The lads said that we could go into the break keeping hold of our position in the standings, one that nobody could have predicted at the start," Conte told reporters, reflecting on the team's recent turnaround.

Napoli have bounced back from a 3-0 opening league defeat against Hellas Verona to secure four wins in their last five league games. They will now travel to Empoli, looking to build on this momentum as they seek a third consecutive league win. However, the Partenopei have won only two of their last 11 away league games.

A 4-3-3 formation with Politano, Kvaratskhelia, and Lukaku in attack is expected. Meanwhile, Stanislav Lobotka and Mathías Olivera are sidelined, having picked up injuries on international duty.