Lazio - Empoli predictions and free betting tips [12/05/2024]

On Sunday, 12th of May, Lazio will play host to Empoli in the 36th matchday of Italy's Serie A. Three victories in their last four encounters have kept the Roman club's chances alive to finish the season among the top six, while the visitors are fighting for survival and are currently just two points clear of relegation.

Stadium

The match will be held in Rome at the Olympic Stadium.

Lazio

Currently standing 7th in the Serie A's league table and five points clear from the 8th placed Napoli, Lazio stands a good chance of participating in European competitions next autumn. The Biancocelesti still have the possibility to finish in the Champions League slots (having played one game more and trailed Atalanta by 4 points). Since Igor Tudor's appointment as coach, the "Eagles" have only lost one of their last six league matches, having won four and drawn once.

After successes against Salernitana (4:1), Genoa (0:1), and Verona (1:0), Lazio drew 2:2 with Monza last weekend. Ciro Immobile and Matias Vecino twice brought the capital's side ahead, but the Rossoneri managed to restore parity on the scoreboard in the 92nd minute of the match! Apart from Empoli, the hosts will face Inter and a struggling Sassuolo in the remaining rounds. Importantly, Romans rank only eighth in the home points standings (with 30 points from 17 home games, 20 goals scored, 13 conceded). 

Empoli

This season, Empoli has been struggling for survival and currently ranks only 17th in the Serie A table, being just 2 points clear of the relegation zone. Understanding the danger, Davide Nicola's men won two, drew one and lost two in the last five matchdays. They achieved victories against Torino (3:2) and Napoli (1:0).

After a defeat against Atalanta (2:0), Empoli drew 0:0 with a direct relegation rival Frosinone last weekend. Since March, Empoli has failed to score more often than any other team from the top five European leagues, but when it comes to points gained on the road, the visitors are 14th in the league (15 points from 17 away games). 

Head-to-head results

The visitors have never defeated Lazio in their 13 previous attempts in Serie A, losing nine and drawing the other four. The first leg of the season ended with a 0:2 away win for the Romans.

Prediction for the Lazio vs Empoli match

Lazio has been performing very well at home under coach Igor Tudor, while Empoli has faced considerable difficulties in their attacking play this spring and only managed to win once in their recent four matchdays. The hosts simply cannot afford to slip-up during the home game with the underdog, as they still stand a chance to finish in the Champions League slots. My forecast is a victory for the "Eagles".

Total goals prediction 

Empoli failed to score in seven of their nine previous league matches, and it's highly unlikely that the visitors will manage to penetrate Lazio's solid defence on Sunday (individual total under 0.5).

Corner kicks prediction

Lazio is motivated by their fight for a finish in the Champions League zone and will hold the initiative throughout the entire match. I am betting on a victory for the "Eagles" with a -1.5 handicap in corner kicks.

Yellow cards prediction

Empoli will spend most of the match in defence and will be forced to frequently disrupt the game's pace with fouls. My bet is a win for the visitors in yellow cards.

Score prediction

I am betting on a 1:0 win for Lazio.