Empoli vs. Cagliari Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 6 April 2025 - bettingexpert

Get ready for an intriguing clash this Sunday as Empoli hosts Cagliari at the Stadio Carlo Castellani in a crucial Serie A showdown. Scheduled to kick off at 14:00, this match features two teams deeply embroiled in the relegation battle, adding an extra layer of tension to the encounter.

Currently sitting in 18th place with 23 points, Empoli has struggled significantly this season and is desperate for a win to climb out of the relegation zone. Their recent form has been disappointing with a LWDLL record in their last five matches. Despite their league struggles, they have shown some promise in the Coppa Italia, eliminating heavyweights like Juventus along the way.

On the other hand, 15th-placed Cagliari, with 29 points, is not entirely safe either. With a mixed recent form of WLDLL, they aim to distance themselves further from the relegation threat. Notably, they come off a solid 3-0 win against Monza in their last Serie A fixture.

With Federico La Penna officiating—a referee known for his penchant for yellow cards—expect a feisty encounter. The weather promises to be favorable, creating perfect conditions for a tightly contested, tactical game.

Given their positions and form, we expect a low-scoring fixture. Following our match tips, a draw seems the most probable outcome as both teams will likely prioritize securing at least a point.

Empoli vs Cagliari Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the tight and crucial nature of this match, our expert betting tip favors a draw. Here’s why:

Empoli vs Cagliari Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Draw	3.07

• Both teams are struggling this season and are close in the standings.
• Empoli have failed to win in 15 consecutive matches in this competition, highlighting their difficulty in securing victories.
• Cagliari, although slightly better placed, have shown inconsistent form and will likely be content with securing a vital point.

Expect a tightly contested match where both teams aim to avoid more losses, making a draw the most probable outcome.

Empoli vs Cagliari Odds

Empoli vs Cagliari Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Empoli	2.52
Draw	3.07
Cagliari	2.95

With Empoli as the bookmaker’s favorite at odds of 2.52, it’s clear they have a slight edge playing at home. However, given their recent form and position in the standings, it’s no surprise that the odds for a draw are also enticing at 3.07.

Cagliari, though sitting a bit higher in the table, is still within striking distance, making their odds of 2.95 appealing for those believing in an away victory. Expect a closely contested match with a draw being a highly probable outcome.

Empoli Team Analysis

Empoli Recent Performance

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Empoli	Bologna	2025-04-01	Coppa Italia	0-3 (Loss)
Como	Empoli	2025-03-29	Serie A	1-1 (Draw)
Torino	Empoli	2025-03-15	Serie A	0-1 (Loss)
Empoli	Roma	2025-03-09	Serie A	0-1 (Loss)
Genoa	Empoli	2025-03-02	Serie A	1-1 (Draw)

Empoli’s recent form has been underwhelming, to say the least, evidenced by a record of 0 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses in their last five games (LWDLL).
They’ve struggled offensively, managing just 0.4 average goals per game, and their defense hasn’t fared much better, failing to keep a single clean sheet in this period.
Their most notable setback was a 3-0 drubbing by Bologna in the Coppa Italia, reinforcing their current plight at the wrong end of the Serie A table. With just 23 points and standing 18th, significant improvement is essential to escape relegation worries.

Empoli Key Players

With Empoli in a relegation battle, their key players need to step up, starting with top scorer Sebastiano Esposito, who has netted 8 goals this season. He’ll be essential in breaking down Cagliari’s defense and ending Empoli’s 15-match winless streak in Serie A.

Liberato Cacace provides versatility and is expected to contribute from a more advanced left attacking midfielder position. On the defensive front, Empoli will look towards Luca Marianucci to marshal the backline and shore up their leaky defense, which has conceded goals at critical moments.

Expected lineup for Empoli:

• Goalkeeper: Devis Vásquez
• Defenders: Saba Goglichidze, Luca Marianucci, Mattia Viti
• Midfielders: Mattia De Sciglio, Alberto Grassi, Liam Henderson, Giuseppe Pezzella
• Attackers: Sebastiano Esposito, Liberato Cacace, Christian Kouamé

Key individual battles to watch include Esposito against Cagliari’s robust centre-back Yerry Mina and Marianucci as he faces off with Cagliari’s top scorer, Roberto Piccoli.

Empoli Suspensions & Injuries

Empoli are facing significant challenges with their squad due to numerous injuries and suspensions. Here’s how it looks:

Suspensions

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Jacopo Fazzini	Red card	1 match left
Emmanuel Quartsin Gyasi	Accumulation of yellow cards	1 match left

Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Saba Sazonov	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Nicolas Haas	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Pietro Pellegri	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Faustino Anjorin	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Youssef Maleh	Knee injury	Mid April 2025
Szymon Zurkowski	Knee injury	Mid April 2025
Ardian Ismajli	Thigh injury	Mid April 2025
Marco Silvestri	Finger injury	Late April 2025

These absences will surely affect Empoli’s depth and tactical flexibility, particularly in midfield and defense. The team will need to find ways to cope without key contributors if they are to secure essential points in their battle against relegation.

Empoli Tactics and Formation

Empoli Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Christian Kouamé
• Attacking Midfielders: Sebastiano Esposito and Liberato Cacace
• Defensive Setup: Luca Marianucci anchors the defense
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on attacking down the flanks

Roberto D’Aversa has opted to stick with a 3-4-2-1 formation to provide flexibility and bolster the defensive line. With Devis Vásquez guarding the goal, the defensive trio of Saba Goglichidze, Marianucci, and Mattia Viti aim to maintain a tight backline.

Midfielders Mattia De Sciglio and Giuseppe Pezzella are key in transitioning play, supporting both defense and attack. The creative nexus involves Esposito and Cacace, tasked with crafting opportunities for Kouamé up front.

Given Empoli’s struggle for clean sheets, a solid defensive performance is crucial to curb Cagliari’s threats, especially in the closing stages when they exploit their scoring prowess.

Cagliari Team Analysis

Cagliari Recent Performance

Here are Cagliari’s last five match results:

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Cagliari	Monza	2025-03-30	Serie A	3-0 (Win)
Roma	Cagliari	2025-03-16	Serie A	1-0 (Loss)
Cagliari	Genoa	2025-03-07	Serie A	1-1 (Draw)
Bologna	Cagliari	2025-03-02	Serie A	2-1 (Loss)
Cagliari	Juventus	2025-02-23	Serie A	0-1 (Loss)

Recent Form: WLDLL

Cagliari’s recent run has been a mixed bag, featuring one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five fixtures. Despite a commendable 3-0 win over Monza, their overall form remains inconsistent. A key highlight is their ability to score around 1.00 goals per game, with Roberto Piccoli leading the charge.

Defensively, they have managed just one clean sheet in their last five outings, indicating room for improvement at the back. Maintaining discipline and focus, especially in the late stages of the match, will be essential for them to secure points against Empoli.

Cagliari Key Players

Expected lineup for Cagliari:

• Goalkeeper: Elia Caprile
• Defenders: Gabriele Zappa, Yerry Mina, Sebastiano Luperto
• Midfielders: Nadir Zortea, Michel Adopo, Matteo Prati, Tommaso Augello
• Attackers: Nicolas Viola, Mattia Felici, Roberto Piccoli

Roberto Piccoli is Cagliari’s top scorer with 7 goals and will be key to breaking down Empoli’s defense. He will rely on support from midfield dynamo Matteo Prati and winger Nicolas Viola, who are crucial in Cagliari’s build-up play.

Defensively, Yerry Mina must be vigilant against Empoli’s Sebastiano Esposito to prevent any scoring opportunities. The battles between Mina and Esposito, as well as between Piccoli and Empoli’s Luca Marianucci, will be crucial in determining the match outcome.

Cagliari Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Adam Obert	Hip injury	Doubtful

Cagliari have only one injury concern heading into their matchup against Empoli. Adam Obert is listed as doubtful with a hip injury. His potential absence might affect the team’s defensive depth, although Yerry Mina and Sebastiano Luperto are expected to hold the fort at the back.

No suspensions are reported for Cagliari, so they will have a full squad available (aside from the doubtful Obert), which should give them an edge in terms of squad rotation and tactical flexibility.

Cagliari Tactics and Formation

Cagliari Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
• Key Forward: Roberto Piccoli, who is their top scorer this season with 7 goals.
• Midfield Quartet: Nadir Zortea (Right Midfielder), Michel Adopo (Right Central Midfielder), Matteo Prati (Left Central Midfielder), and Tommaso Augello (Left Midfielder).
• Defensive Strength: Yerry Mina and Sebastiano Luperto are crucial in defense, especially with Adam Obert doubtful.
• Notable Strategy: Strong defensive performance with an emphasis on securing points to avoid relegation. Watch for late-game goal attempts, as Cagliari have scored most of their goals between the 76-90 minute mark this season.

Empoli vs Cagliari Head-to-Head Statistics

Let’s delve into the recent encounters between these two teams:

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Cagliari	Empoli	2024-09-20	Serie A	0-2 (Loss)
Empoli	Cagliari	2024-03-03	Serie A	0-1 (Loss)
Cagliari	Empoli	2023-12-30	Serie A	0-0 (Draw)
Empoli	Cagliari	2022-02-13	Serie A	1-1 (Draw)
Cagliari	Empoli	2021-09-22	Serie A	0-2 (Loss)

Empoli have had the upper hand in recent meetings, but they’re in poor form currently.
Expect a tight game given each team’s current plight and their pursuit of valuable points for survival.

Odds accurate as of 04.04.2025 14:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any {bookmaker}.