Inter vs Empoli Prediction - Serie A Fixtures

Inter Milan, currently sitting 2nd in Serie A with 44 points, will host 14th-placed Empoli at the Giuseppe Meazza. As Inter look to maintain their form, highlighted by their recent 3-0 win over Empoli in October, this match is crucial for both teams. Inter’s defence, led by Alessandro Bastoni, who is drawing interest from Tottenham, has kept three clean sheets in their last five games. Their attack is spearheaded by Marcus Thuram, their top scorer with 12 goals.

Empoli, on a contrasting run of form with three consecutive losses, will need a remarkable performance to overcome the odds. Sebastiano Esposito, their leading scorer, will be key. Expect a clear sky and chilly conditions at 0°C during this 19:45 kickoff.

Given Inter’s better form and Empoli’s struggles, a draw could still be a thrilling outcome. The bookmakers heavily favour Inter, but our recommended bet is a draw at odds of 7.13.

Inter vs Empoli Prediction & Betting tip

• Inter Milan have been dominant this season, but their next opponent, Empoli, will be fighting hard to move up the table.
• Inter’s form suggests they are likely to be competitive, but they have drawn 4 times this season, indicating tight matchups.
• Empoli, despite being the underdog, may produce an inspired performance in hopes of breaking their losing streak.

Breaking down these facts, it’s clear why a draw is a sound betting tip for this matchup. The enticing odds make it a sensible punt for those hoping for an upset or a closely fought game.

Inter vs Empoli Odds

As Inter Milan takes on Empoli at Giuseppe Meazza, the odds clearly favour the home side. Given Inter’s position in the league and Empoli’s struggles, bookmakers have set significant differences in the odds.

Inter Milan, being the bookies’ favourite, has an overwhelming chance of winning, reflected in their low odds of 1.21.
A draw carries interesting odds at 6.45, acknowledging the slim possibility of Empoli managing to secure a point.
Empoli’s odds of 12.62 indicate their underdog status, but for brave bettors, this could suggest a sizeable return if an upset occurs.

Inter Team Analysis

Inter Milan’s recent performances have demonstrated their resilience and attacking prowess. With three wins, one draw, and only one loss in their last five matches, they are in good form heading into this fixture. Their defense has also been solid, with three clean sheets out of the last five games.

Their offense has been equally impressive, averaging 2 goals per game. Despite a few injury concerns, Inter’s squad depth has consistently allowed them to deliver better performances.

Inter Milan’s consistency and high goal-scoring rate make them formidable opponents for Empoli.

Inter Key Players

Inter Milan’s key players this season have certainly made their mark. Marcus Thuram is their standout performer, leading the team with 12 goals. His partnership with Lautaro Martinez will be crucial in breaking down Empoli’s defense. Alessandro Bastoni, despite being linked to Tottenham, remains instrumental at the back with his defensive solidity and four assists.

Expected lineup for Inter Milan:

• Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
• Defenders: Matteo Darmian, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni
• Midfielders: Denzel Dumfries, Nicolò Barella, Kristjan Asllani, Piotr Zielinski, Federico Dimarco
• Forwards: Lautaro Martinez, Mehdi Taremi

Key individual battles to watch out for include Thuram against Empoli’s center-backs and Barella’s midfield control against Grassi.

Inter Suspensions & Injuries

Inter Milan are facing a significant injury crisis that could impact their performance against Empoli. They have several key players sidelined with various injuries, which is a concern for Coach Simone Inzaghi.

Without these players, Inzaghi will need to rely on squad depth to maintain their competitive edge. The absences of Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi, key defensive figures, could be particularly challenging for Inter’s backline.

Inter Tactics and Formation

Inter Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forwards: Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez
• Midfield Core: Nicolò Barella, Kristjan Asllani, and Piotr Zielinski
• Wing Prowess: Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco

Inter Milan’s tactical setup under Simone Inzaghi centres on the attacking width provided by wing-backs Dumfries and Dimarco, while Thuram and Martinez spearhead the attack. With three clean sheets in their last five matches, the defence, led by Alessandro Bastoni, will look to maintain solidity despite injury concerns. Inzaghi’s strategy often includes high pressing and quick transitions to exploit the pace and creativity of the attackers, aiming to dominate possession and control the game.

Empoli Team Analysis

Empoli’s recent form has been less than stellar, with their last five matches resulting in four losses and one draw. This string of poor performances has seen them struggle, especially in the defensive department, where they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five games. On average, Empoli have scored just 1.00 goal per game during this period, highlighting their difficulties in front of goal. Despite these challenges, Empoli’s top scorer, Sebastiano Esposito, remains their key player with 7 goals this season.

Empoli Key Players

Expected lineup for Empoli:

• Goalkeeper: Jacopo Seghetti
• Defenders: Saba Goglichidze, Ardian Ismajli, Mattia Viti, Giuseppe Pezzella
• Midfielders: Emmanuel Quartsin Gyasi, Alberto Grassi, Youssef Maleh, Liberato Cacace
• Attackers: Sebastiano Esposito, Lorenzo Colombo

Sebastiano Esposito stands out as Empoli’s top scorer, having netted seven goals this season. His attacking prowess will be crucial if Empoli hopes to breach Inter’s sturdy defense.

Alberto Grassi and Youssef Maleh in midfield will need to step up and control the game, especially given Inter’s home form. Look out for key battles such as Sebastiano Esposito against Alessandro Bastoni, which could be pivotal in determining the match outcome.

Empoli Suspensions & Injuries

Empoli’s squad is facing significant injury challenges, which could impact their performance against Inter. The team has no suspensions but several key injuries.

The multiple long-term injuries, particularly to players like Saba Sazonov and Pietro Pellegri, leave Empoli with limited options to rotate their squad. This places added pressure on their fit first-team players to deliver under demanding conditions.

Empoli Tactics and Formation

Empoli’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Lorenzo Colombo
• Attacking Midfielders: Sebastiano Esposito and Liberato Cacace
• Midfield Duo: Alberto Grassi and Youssef Maleh
• Defensive Setup: A five-man backline when under pressure

Roberto D’Aversa prefers a defensive setup to counter Inter’s attacking prowess. Expect Empoli to sit deep and absorb pressure, utilizing fast counter-attacks to exploit any spaces left by Inter’s aggressive wing-backs. The combination of Colombo’s physical presence and Esposito’s creativity could be crucial. They will need to be disciplined and hit Inter on the break whenever possible.

Inter vs Empoli Head-to-Head Statistics

Inter and Empoli have met several times recently, with Inter having a better record against Empoli in the last five encounters.