Salernitana - Empoli predictions and free betting tips [09/02/2024]

On Friday, 9th February, on the 24th tour of Italian Serie A, Salernitana will meet Empoli on its home turf. Filippo Inzaghi's proteges achieved a draw in the match against Torino last weekend, but still inhabit the very bottom of the tournament table; the guests are just one line above and have 18 points to their credit. 

Predicted Line-ups

Salernitana: Ochoa; Pierozzi, Boateng, Pasalidis; Zanioli, Maggiore, Basic, Bradaric; Candreva, Kastanos; Dia.
Empoli: Caprile; Bereszynski, Ismajli, Luperto; Gyasi, Grassi, Maleh, Cacace; Cambiaghi, Zurkowski; Cerri. 

Stadium

The match will take place at the Arechi stadium, Salerno.  

Salernitana

In this season, Salernitana has settled at the very bottom of the Serie A table, collecting a mere 13 points over 23 tours. To dodge relegation (the team is behind the 17th line by 5 points), the club must work hard, though the current dynamics don’t inspire much hope. The team has only notched one win out of the last 10 championship matches.

After 4 successive defeats (against Juventus, Napoli, Genoa, and Roma), the white maroons managed a stalemate with Torino last weekend (0:0). Torino delivered four times as many hits on the goal and had 67% of the game time, but still failed to crack the defence of the "sea horses". A potential victory on Saturday would only be the second home win of the season for Salernitana - the previous one happened over Lazio in late November.

Empoli

Empoli, holding the 19th place in the Serie A table, is also threatened by relegation but has the same score as 17th Verona. A series of 8 matches without victories (3 draws and 5 losses) led to the resignation of head coach Aurelio Andreazzoli in January. Under Davide Nicola, Empoli's results improved: a solid 3:0 win over Monza and two draws with Juventus (1:1) and Genoa last weekend (0:0).

Generally, Nicola is valued in Italian football for keeping sinking Crotone in Serie A in 2016/17 and then surviving Torino (20/21) and Salernitana (21/22). Besides, the guests perform quite well outside their home field: nine points tallied in 11 away matches, 7 goals scored, 19 conceded. 

Past Matches

In the first round of the current campaign, Empoli came out on top with a 1:0 scoreline. Moreover, the white-maroon team has not been able to beat their opponents in the last five encounters.  

Salernitana vs. Empoli Match Prediction

In Salerno, it's crucial for Empoli to continue their undefeated run under Nicola, while the home team needs a win to keep their salvation chances alive. Salernitana has not fared well on its home ground, suffering five consecutive losses - it's doubtful that the team will be able to secure three points against a motivated competitor. I'm expecting the guests not to lose at the very least. 

Total Prediction

Both teams have the worst attacking stats in the current Serie A season (34 goals between the two across 23 tours). Given the importance of the match's result in terms of the survival struggle, we shouldn't expect an open game here - I'm wagering on an overall total of fewer than 2.5 goals.  

Corner Prediction

Empoli averages about 5 corners per match, compared to 4.2 for Salernitana. Therefore, it is a fair bet that the visiting team, at least, will not concede on corners.  

Yellow Card Prediction

Both teams are fighting for survival and won't spare themselves in tough tacklings. The referee will undoubtedly show at least 4 yellow cards.  

Score Prediction

I'll wager on a specific score of 0:1 in favor of Empoli.