SSC Napoli vs. Empoli Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 14 April 2025 - bettingexpert
Get ready for an intriguing battle as SSC Napoli clash with Empoli on 14 April 2025 at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. This match could have significant implications for both ends of the Serie A table. Napoli, currently second with 65 points, are in a fierce title race behind Inter Milan and need a win to stay within touching distance.
Meanwhile, Empoli languishes in 18th place, fighting relegation with just 24 points. They haven’t tasted victory in their last 16 outings, making this fixture crucial for them as well.
Napoli will be without key players Anguissa and Di Lorenzo due to suspensions, which could impact their rhythm. Despite these absences, the bookmakers still favour Napoli heavily with odds at 1.32 for a home win.
Empoli’s coach, Roberto D’Aversa, is grappling with numerous injuries and doubts, adding to their woes.
Expect a competitive first half, but based on recent trends and our match tips, anticipate most goals to come in the second half.
SSC Napoli vs Empoli Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the match dynamics, our recommended bet is that the second half will have the most goals. The reasoning behind this prediction is firmly rooted in recent match trends and statistics.
| SSC Napoli vs Empoli Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| 2nd half to have the most goals | – |
- Historically, fewer than 2.5 goals have been scored in 86% of their last seven encounters, pointing to a likelihood of a tightly contested first half.
- Napoli tends to concede most of their goals in the 76-90 minute interval, suggesting a more goal-rich second half.
- Both teams are likely to adopt a cautious approach early on, with the game opening up as fatigue sets in during the latter stages.
SSC Napoli vs Empoli Odds
When it comes to this Serie A clash between SSC Napoli and Empoli, the bookmakers have a clear favourite in Napoli.
| SSC Napoli vs Empoli Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| SSC Napoli | 1.32 |
| Draw | 5.01 |
| Empoli | 9.91 |
Napoli is strongly favored to take the three points, reflecting their higher position in the table and recent form. Empoli, battling relegation and on a winless streak, is seen as a long shot.
Given Napoli’s position in the title race and Empoli’s struggles, the odds heavily favor the home side in what is expected to be a crucial match for both teams’ objectives this season.
SSC Napoli Team Analysis
SSC Napoli Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bologna | SSC Napoli | 2025-04-07 | Serie A | 1-1 (Draw) |
| SSC Napoli | AC Milan | 2025-03-30 | Serie A | 2-1 (Win) |
| Venezia | SSC Napoli | 2025-03-16 | Serie A | 0-0 (Draw) |
| SSC Napoli | Fiorentina | 2025-03-09 | Serie A | 2-1 (Win) |
| SSC Napoli | Inter | 2025-03-01 | Serie A | 1-1 (Draw) |
Recent Form: DWDWD
SSC Napoli have shown strong form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches in Serie A. They’ve managed to secure important draws against teams like Bologna and Inter, alongside wins against AC Milan and Fiorentina. Napoli has averaged 1.20 goals per match in their last five games, while maintaining a clean sheet in just one of those encounters. With 65 points, they are firmly in the title race but need to continue their good form to keep the pressure on first-place Inter Milan. The recent performances indicate resilience, though they’ve also shown vulnerability, particularly in conceding late goals.
SSC Napoli Key Players
Romelu Lukaku is undoubtedly SSC Napoli’s key player and top scorer with 11 goals this season. His presence in the center-forward position is critical for Napoli as they push to stay in the title race.
Matteo Politano and David Neres, expected to flank Lukaku, provide crucial width and creativity from the wings.
In midfield, Stanislav Lobotka, Scott McTominay, and Billy Gilmour will be pivotal in controlling the game’s tempo, especially in Zambo Anguissa’s absence.
Potential battles to watch include Lukaku versus Empoli’s tough central defenders, and Politano challenging Empoli’s left back.
Expected lineup for Napoli:
- Goalkeeper: Alex Meret
- Defenders: Pasquale Mazzocchi, Amir Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Mathías Olivera
- Midfielders: Stanislav Lobotka, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour
- Attackers: Matteo Politano, Romelu Lukaku, David Neres
SSC Napoli Suspensions & Injuries
Napoli head into this crucial match with a couple of key suspensions that could impact their performance.
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Andre Zambo Anguissa | Yellow cards | Mid-April 2025 |
| Giovanni Di Lorenzo | Yellow cards | Mid-April 2025 |
They also have several players sidelined with injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Nikita Contini | Thigh injury | Late April 2025 |
| Leonardo Spinazzola | Thigh injury | Late April 2025 |
| Alessandro Buongiorno | Muscle injury | Late April 2025 |
The absence of Anguissa may weaken Napoli’s midfield control, and Di Lorenzo’s suspension means a reshuffle in the defense. The injuries further constrain Antonio Conte’s squad choices, potentially impacting their defensive solidity and depth. It will be crucial for the available players to step up to maintain their title charge.
SSC Napoli Tactics and Formation
SSC Napoli Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Romelu Lukaku, who has netted 11 goals this season.
- Midfield Trio: Billy Gilmour, Stanislav Lobotka, and Scott McTominay, are expected to control the center of the pitch.
- Defensive Strength: Although missing Giovanni Di Lorenzo due to suspension, Napoli has shown defensive resilience, conceding an average of only 0.9 goals per game this season.
- Notable Strategy: With players like Politano and Neres on the wings, Napoli’s attacking strategy will likely involve exploiting Empoli’s flanks, especially during the second half where they typically perform better.
Antonio Conte will rely on a robust midfield and strategic wing play to outmaneuver a struggling Empoli side, making the most of their time-honored home advantage.
Empoli Team Analysis
Empoli Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empoli | Cagliari | 2025-04-06 | Serie A | 0-0 (Draw) |
| 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 | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Empoli | Roma | 2025-03-09 | Serie A | 0-1 (Loss) |
Empoli’s recent form shows they are struggling to find wins, reflected in their LDDLL sequence. Over the last five games, Empoli has managed only two draws and conceded six goals, signaling defensive vulnerabilities. Empoli’s attack has also been underwhelming with an average of just 0.2 goals scored per game in their last five matches. They’ve collected only one clean sheet in this period, underscoring issues at both ends of the pitch. Sitting 18th in the table with 24 points, every match is critical as they fight to avoid relegation. Key concerns for manager Roberto D’Aversa will be addressing the side’s poor scoring record and bolstering their defensive resilience.
Empoli Key Players
Expected lineup for Empoli:
- Goalkeeper: Devis Vásquez
- Defenders: Saba Goglichidze, Luca Marianucci, Mattia Viti
- Midfielders: Emanuel Quartsin Gyasi, Alberto Grassi, Liam Henderson, Giuseppe Pezzella
- Attackers: Sebastiano Esposito, Liberato Cacace, Lorenzo Colombo
Sebastiano Esposito will be crucial, having netted 8 goals so far. His battle against Napoli’s centre-backs Amir Rrahmani and Juan Jesus will be key. Another player to watch is Liam Henderson in midfield, who will likely face off against Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka. Goalkeeper Devis Vásquez will also need to be in top form to repel Napoli’s attacking trio, especially Romelu Lukaku. Empoli will rely on these players to pull off an upset against a strong Napoli side.
Empoli Suspensions & Injuries
Empoli head into the match against Napoli with a worrying list of injuries but no suspensions to report.
| 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 | Early May 2025 |
| Szymon Zurkowski | Knee injury | Early May 2025 |
| Ardian Ismajli | Thigh injury | Late April 2025 |
| Marco Silvestri | Finger injury | Late April 2025 |
| Christian Kouamé | Knee injury | Early May 2025 |
The absence of key players like Saba Sazonov, Nicolas Haas, and Pietro Pellegri will significantly impact Empoli’s defensive and midfield stability.
The potential absence of forward Christian Kouamé is another blow, reducing their attacking options and putting more pressure on Sebastiano Esposito to deliver. This already challenging matchup against a strong Napoli side could become even tougher with these key injuries.
Empoli Tactics and Formation
Empoli Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Lorenzo Colombo
- Midfield Setup:
- Right Midfielder: Emanuel Quartsin Gyasi
- Central Midfielders: Alberto Grassi, Liam Henderson
- Left Midfielder: Giuseppe Pezzella
- Attacking Midfielders: Sebastiano Esposito, Liberato Cacace
- Defensive Line-up:
- Right Center Back: Saba Goglichidze
- Central Back: Luca Marianucci
- Left Center Back: Mattia Viti
- Defensive Strength: Despite some injuries, Empoli managed one clean sheet in their last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Empoli tends to focus on a balanced approach with a compact defensive setup and looks to counter-attack utilizing the pace of winger players like Sebastiano Esposito.
SSC Napoli vs Empoli Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empoli | SSC Napoli | 2024-10-20 | Serie A | 0-1 (Win) |
| Empoli | SSC Napoli | 2024-04-20 | Serie A | 1-0 (Loss) |
| SSC Napoli | Empoli | 2023-11-12 | Serie A | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Empoli | SSC Napoli | 2023-02-25 | Serie A | 0-2 (Win) |
| SSC Napoli | Empoli | 2022-11-08 | Serie A | 2-0 (Win) |
In their last five meetings, Napoli have won three times while Empoli managed to secure victory in two games. Most of these encounters have been low-scoring affairs, underscoring the defensive approaches employed by both teams. This pattern suggests we might see another tight match at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Odds accurate as of 12.04.2025 19:46, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
