Udinese vs. Empoli Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 16 February 2025 - bettingexpert

On the 16th of February 2025, Udinese will host Empoli in a crucial Serie A showdown at the Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00. Both teams find themselves at different ends of the standings, with Udinese sitting comfortably in 10th place with 30 points, while Empoli struggles in 17th place, hovering dangerously above the relegation zone with 21 points.

Udinese comes into this match as the bookmakers’ favorite with odds of 1.82 to win, thanks to their better form and home advantage. They’ve managed a record of 1-2-2 in their last five games, including a solid 1-1 draw against Serie A leaders Napoli. In contrast, Empoli has been on a downward spiral, failing to secure a win in their last nine league matches, and facing significant injury issues that further weaken their lineup.

Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca, their top scorer with 9 goals, will be pivotal in breaking down Empoli’s defense. Meanwhile, Empoli’s top scorer, Sebastiano Esposito, will aim to find the back of the net despite their team’s struggles. The bookmakers suggest a recommended bet on Udinese to win at odds of 1.95, considering their recent form and Empoli’s poor season.

Referee Daniele Doveri, known for his strict officiating, will oversee this match, which promises to be a battle of tactics. Given Udinese’s stronger position and motivation to push for a higher league finish, they are expected to come out on top.

Udinese vs Empoli Prediction & Betting Tip

Recommend our betting tip (recommended tip) in an NLP-friendly way and explain why it has been chosen using Match tips and Match facts:
For this Serie A clash on February 16, 2025, our recommended bet is for Udinese to win. Given their superior form, home advantage, and Empoli’s ongoing struggles, this appears to be a solid choice.

Udinese vs Empoli Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Udinese to win	1.95

Here are three reasons why this prediction is a good bet:

• Home Advantage: Udinese plays at the Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli, boosting their confidence and performance.
• Form and Motivation: With a 1-2-2 record in their last five matches, Udinese is in better condition. They are also motivated to secure a win to stay in the hunt for a top spot.
• Empoli’s Struggles: Empoli are struggling with injuries and suspensions, and have not won in nine consecutive matches.

Udinese vs Empoli Odds

Bookmakers have given Udinese the edge in this match against Empoli, reflecting their home advantage and Empoli’s current struggles in Serie A.

Udinese vs Empoli Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Udinese	1.82
Draw	3.43
Empoli	4.56

The odds clearly show Udinese as the favorites to win. Given their recent performance and Empoli’s poor form, these odds are a fair reflection of the current situation. Bettors might also consider the higher payout for a draw or an Empoli win, though those options come with more risk.

Udinese Team Analysis

Udinese Recent Performance

Udinese has had a mixed bag of results recently, with a form of DWLLD in their last five Serie A games. They managed a commendable 1-1 draw against Napoli, who currently top the Serie A standings. However, they have faced setbacks, including a heavy 4-1 loss to Como and a 2-1 defeat against Roma. Their only win in this spell came against Venezia in a thrilling 3-2 home victory.
While Udinese has only kept one clean sheet in their last five matches, they have shown some offensive potential, scoring an average of 1.20 goals.

Home team	Away team	Result
SSC Napoli	Udinese	1-1 (Draw)
Udinese	Venezia	3-2 (Win)
Udinese	Roma	1-2 (Loss)
Como	Udinese	4-1 (Loss)
Udinese	Atalanta	0-0 (Draw)

Their inconsistent form sees them sitting 10th on the table with 30 points. Despite the mixed results, their ability to find the net, especially through top scorer Lorenzo Lucca, keeps them competitive.

Udinese Key Players

In this crucial matchup against Empoli, Udinese will be heavily reliant on their key performers to secure a victory. Top scorer Lorenzo Lucca, with 9 goals this season, will be the focal point of their attack and a constant threat to Empoli’s defense.

Florian Thauvin and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, playing as the attacking midfielders, will be tasked with creating opportunities and breaking down Empoli’s backline. The midfield trio of Sandi Lovric, Jesper Karlström, and Martín Payero will aim to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game.

Expected lineup for Udinese:

• Goalkeeper: Razvan Sava
• Defenders: Thomas Kristensen, Jaka Bijol, Oumar Solet, Hassane Kamara
• Midfielders: Sandi Lovric, Jesper Karlström, Martín Payero
• Attackers: Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Florian Thauvin, Lorenzo Lucca

Lucca’s battle against Empoli’s center-backs will be pivotal, while Thauvin’s creativity will be essential in unlocking the opponent’s defense.

Udinese Suspensions & Injuries

Udinese faces a couple of injury concerns heading into their match against Empoli, which could impact their defensive stability and bench depth.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Maduka Okoye	Wrist injury	Late February 2025
Isaak Toure	Knee injury	Early March 2025

Both Maduka Okoye and Isaak Toure are important defensive options, and their absence could stretch Kosta Runjaić’s resources at the back. The team will need to rely on their available players to maintain defensive resilience, especially in the key interval of 46-60 minutes where they have conceded the most goals this season.

Udinese Tactics and Formation

Udinese Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Lorenzo Lucca (9 goals)
• Midfield Engine: Sandi Lovric, Jesper Karlström, Martín Payero
• Defensive Core: Thomas Kristensen, Jaka Bijol, Oumar Solet, Hassane Kamara
• Notable Strategy: Udinese tends to score most goals in the 46-60 minute interval.
  Udinese is expected to deploy a 4-5-1 formation with Lucca as the focal point in attack. The midfield trio of Lovric, Karlström, and Payero will look to control the tempo.
  Given their defensive record, including two clean sheets in the last five matches, the backline needs to remain resolute, especially during the 46-60 minute period, where they are vulnerable.

Empoli Team Analysis

Empoli Recent Performance LLDLL

Empoli has been struggling in their recent matches, unable to secure a win in their last five games. Their current form reads LLDLL, with only one draw and four defeats.

Home team	Away team	Result
Empoli	AC Milan	0-2 (Loss)
Juventus	Empoli	4-1 (Loss)
Empoli	Bologna	1-1 (Draw)
Inter	Empoli	3-1 (Loss)
Empoli	Lecce	1-3 (Loss)

In terms of goals, Empoli has averaged just 0.80 goals per game in their last five outings and has failed to keep any clean sheets during this period. This run of poor form leaves them sitting in 17th place on the Serie A table, with only 21 points accumulated thus far. This indicates a team that’s found it challenging to find the back of the net and has been leaky at the back.

Empoli Key Players

Empoli will be looking towards their key players to steer them out of their current slump.
Top scorer Sebastiano Esposito, who has netted 8 goals this season, will be crucial in their attacking lineup. His ability to create and finish opportunities will be vital.
In the midfield, watch out for Liam Henderson and Alberto Grassi, who will be tasked with controlling the game and providing service to Esposito and Colombo up front.
Expected lineup for Empoli:

• Goalkeeper: Devis Vásquez
• Defenders: Mattia De Sciglio, Saba Goglichidze, Giuseppe Pezzella
• Midfielders: Emanuel Quartsin Gyasi, Liam Henderson, Youssef Maleh, Liberato Cacace
• Attackers: Sebastiano Esposito, Alberto Grassi
• Forward: Lorenzo Colombo

Look for individual battles like Esposito versus the Udinese defenders, which could be a deciding factor in the match.

Empoli Suspensions & Injuries

Empoli is currently grappling with a series of injuries and a key suspension, which could heavily impact their performance against Udinese.

Suspensions:

Player	Suspension	Expected Return
Luca Marianucci	Red card	23/02/2025

Injuries:

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Tyronne Ebuehi	Cruciate ligament injury	Doubtful
Saba Sazonov	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Nicolas Haas	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Pietro Pellegri	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Ola Solbakken	Shoulder injury	Doubtful
Faustino Anjorin	Muscle injury	Late February 2025
Jacopo Fazzini	Muscle injury	Late February 2025
Ardian Ismajli	Physical discomfort	Doubtful
Mattia Viti	Knee injury	Mid March 2025

The multitude of injuries, particularly in the defense, and Marianucci’s suspension will place considerable strain on Empoli’s squad depth. This is likely to affect their overall performance, creating potential vulnerabilities that Udinese will look to exploit.

Empoli Tactics and Formation

Empoli’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Lorenzo Colombo, who provides a focal point in attack.
• Attacking Midfielders: Sebastiano Esposito and Alberto Grassi, tasked with linking play and creating chances.
• Wing Play: Emanuel Quartsin Gyasi and Liberato Cacace will offer width and aim to deliver crosses into the box.
• Midfield Engine: Liam Henderson and Youssef Maleh, responsible for maintaining possession and breaking up opposition attacks.

With a series of injuries and the suspension of Luca Marianucci, Empoli will need to be cautious defensively. They will likely rely heavily on their attacking midfielders to support Colombo up front, hoping to exploit any defensive lapses from Udinese.

Udinese vs Empoli Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
Empoli	Udinese	1-1
Udinese	Empoli	1-1
Empoli	Udinese	0-0
Empoli	Udinese	0-1
Udinese	Empoli	1-1

In their last five meetings, Udinese and Empoli have seen three draws, with Udinese securing one win away from home.
These matches have been closely contested, making for unpredictable encounters.

Given Empoli’s struggles this season and Udinese’s relatively better form, Udinese will look to capitalize on their home advantage.

Odds accurate as of 14/02/2025 14:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.