Empoli - Fiorentina predictions and free betting tips [18/02/2024]

On Sunday, 18th of February, the 25th round of Italian Serie A will bring a host match for "Empoli", who are facing "Fiorentina". As of February, the hosts are getting the hang of it, having avoided defeat for four consecutive league matches. On the contrary, "Viola" has clinched victory in only one out of the last six encounters across all tournaments.

Predicted Line-ups

"Empoli": Caprile; Ismajli, Walukiewicz, Luperto; Gyasi, Grassi, Maleh, Cacace; Zurkowski, Cambiaghi; Cerri.
"Fiorentina": Terracciano; Faraoni, Martinez Quarta, Ranieri, Biraghi; Duncan, Arthur; Gonzalez, Beltran, Sottil; Belotti.

"Empoli"

This season, "Empoli" is struggling, currently holding the 16th spot in Serie A, with a slim 2-point margin above the drop zone. After a streak of disappointing results, the incumbent manager Aurelio Andreazzoli was dismissed in mid-January. These changes pay off as the team hasn't lost in the last 4 matches (2 wins and 2 draws), propelling them out of the danger zone.

Last weekend, Davide Nicola's side triumphed over "Salernitana" with a 1:3 score. At the home ground, Stadio Castellani, "Azzurri" has acquired a meagre total of nine points and has shown the lowest home goal tally, netting only eight times (while conceding 17). 

"Fiorentina"

"Fiorentina", aiming for a European spot this season, currently sits at the 9th position in the Serie A leaderboard, one unit short of the 6th place. Sadly, their form in early 2024 has been disappointing with 4 rounds without a win (1 draw and 3 losses). Last weekend, they routed "Frosinone" with a 5:1 score. This week, the "Violas" suffered another loss from "Bologna" with a score of 2:0.

On a positive note, the white-purple strokes are relatively solid on the road, amassing 14 points from 12 away games (seventh in the league), scoring 14 and conceding 16. In addition to reaching the semifinals of the Coppa Italia, "Fiorentina" advanced to the 1/8 finals of the Europa League.

Direct Encounters

"Empoli" has only lost one of the last six matches against "Fiorentina", which includes a 0:2 win in the first round of this season in October.

Match Prediction for "Empoli" vs "Fiorentina"

Despite lagging 16 points behind their upcoming adversaries, I reckon that "Empoli" could persistently fight for points this weekend. The hosts sorely lack a potent striker, although "Viola" themselves aren't in their prime currently. Why not confirm the season's second triumph over "Violas" now? My bet would be at least a draw for the home side.

Over/Under Goals Prediction

In their last five games, "Fiorentina" managed to scrape only three goals and struggles to create in offense throughout February. I am placing my bet below the TO of 1.5 goals for the visitors.

Corner Kicks Prediction

One thing's for certain: "Violas" will snatch possession and try to impose their own style upon the rival. I favour Vincenzo Italiano's charges to outscore in corners.

Yellow Card Prediction

Both teams received an average of two cautions per game this season. Thus, I confidently opt for TU of 4.5 yellow cards in total.

Score Prediction

My bet is on a precise score of 1:0 in favour of "Empoli".