Empoli vs. Atalanta Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 23 February 2025

The clash between Empoli and Atalanta on 23 February 2025 at the Stadio Carlo Castellani is set to be an intriguing affair. Despite their contrasting league positions—Empoli sitting precariously at 17th and Atalanta strongly placed at 3rd—this match holds significant weight for both teams.
Atalanta, coming off a frustrating goalless draw against Cagliari, will be eager to regain their momentum and chase the top spots. A key narrative is whether Mateo Retegui, Atalanta’s top scorer with 20 goals, can continue his impressive form. Empoli, on the other hand, are embattled with injuries and recent poor form. Coach Roberto D’Aversa will look to Sebastiano Esposito, their leading scorer with 8 goals, to inspire a much-needed turnaround.
With Atalanta favorites (odds at 1.54 to win), they’re expected to secure the win. However, given Empoli’s vulnerability and Atalanta’s occasional defensive lapses, a recommended bet would be both teams to score, with odds standing at 1.87.
Referee Maurizio Mariani will oversee the match, hopefully ensuring a fair and intriguing contest.
Expect a motivated Atalanta side to capitalize and push Empoli deeper into relegation worries.

Empoli vs Atalanta Prediction & Betting Tip

Our recommended betting tip for this clash is "Both teams to score: yes." Given the contrasting forms and standings of Empoli and Atalanta, this seems like a solid bet.

Empoli vs Atalanta Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Both teams to score: yes	1.87

• Empoli have shown vulnerability in defense, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per match.
• Atalanta have a potent attack led by Mateo Retegui, who has netted 20 goals this season.
• Both teams have a history of scoring against each other in recent encounters.

Expect an open game with both teams finding the back of the net.

Empoli vs Atalanta Match Preview

Match Details

• Date: [Insert Date Here]
• Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli

This upcoming Serie A fixture sees Empoli hosting Atalanta, in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

Team Form and Standings

Empoli find themselves grappling with defensive issues, having conceded an average of 1.6 goals per match this season. Sitting in the lower half of the table, they are surely looking to turn their fortunes around with a strong performance at home.

Atalanta, on the other hand, have been impressive this season, primarily due to their potent attacking line-up spearheaded by Mateo Retegui. The striker boasts an impressive tally of 20 goals so far and is certain to be a focal point once again as Atalanta aim to secure a European spot.

Key Players

• Empoli: Keep an eye on their goalkeeper, who will be crucial in stopping Atalanta’s relentless attack. Midfield playmaker Tommaso Baldanzi will be key in providing the creative spark to break Atalanta’s defensive lines.
• Atalanta: Beyond Retegui, look for midfielders like Teun Koopmeiners, who has been pivotal in controlling the tempo and providing crucial assists.

Previous Encounters

Recent clashes between the two sides have often seen both teams finding the back of the net, suggesting a similarly open game could be on the cards. Empoli’s home advantage might give them a slight edge, but Atalanta’s attacking firepower could very well neutralise it.

Venue Insight

The Stadio Carlo Castellani is known for its passionate crowd and could provide an electric atmosphere, which might spur the home side on. Nevertheless, Atalanta are no strangers to performing well on the road.

Prediction & Betting Tip

Our recommended betting tip for this clash is "Both teams to score: yes" with odds at 1.87. Given the contrasting forms and standings of Empoli and Atalanta, this seems like a solid bet.

• Empoli have shown vulnerability in defense, conceding on average 1.6 goals per match.
• Atalanta have a potent attack led by Mateo Retegui, who has netted 20 goals this season.
• Both teams have a history of scoring against each other in recent encounters.

Expect an open game with both teams finding the back of the net, making it a thrilling match for neutral fans and bettors alike.

Empoli Team Analysis

Recent Performance

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

Recent form: LLLDL
Empoli have struggled in their recent fixtures, managing just one draw and four losses in their last five outings. They have scored an average of 0.60 goals per game and failed to keep any clean sheets during this period.
Their defensive frailties are evident, having conceded 1.6 goals on average throughout the season. With such form, Roberto D’Aversa’s side will need to step up their game to avoid slipping further down the table.

Empoli Key Players

Empoli’s key player to watch is Sebastiano Esposito, the club’s top scorer this season with 8 goals. His ability to find the net will be crucial for Empoli as they aim to improve their current form and climb out of the relegation zone.
Another standout player is Lorenzo Colombo, who will need to step up and provide additional firepower in the attack, especially against a formidable Atalanta defense.
Key individual battles to watch include Esposito vs Atalanta’s central defender Berat Djimsiti, and Colombo facing off against Sead Kolasinac.
Expected lineup for Empoli:

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

Empoli Suspensions & Injuries

Empoli faces a challenging situation with numerous key players sidelined due to injuries. This could seriously impact their performance against Atalanta, making it tougher to fight their way out of the relegation zone.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Tyronne Ebuehi	Cruciate ligament injury	Unknown
Saba Sazonov	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Nicolas Haas	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Pietro Pellegri	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Ola Solbakken	Shoulder injury	Doubtful
Faustino Anjorin	Muscle injury	Early March 2025
Jacopo Fazzini	Muscle injury	Early March 2025
Ardian Ismajli	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Mattia Viti	Knee injury	Mid March 2025

Player	Suspension	Expected return
Luca Marianucci	Red card	1 match ban (from 23 Feb 2025)

Injuries and suspensions leave Empoli in a precarious position, lacking depth, which could hamper their strategy and performance against Atalanta.

Empoli Tactics and Formation

Empoli Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Expected Line-Up:
• Goalkeeper: Devis Vásquez
• Defenders: Mattia De Sciglio, Saba Goglichidze, Giuseppe Pezzella
• Midfielders: Emanuel Quartsin Gyasi, Liam Henderson, Alberto Grassi, Liberato Cacace
• Attacking Midfielders: Sebastiano Esposito, Youssef Maleh
• Center Forward: Lorenzo Colombo
• Key Forward: Sebastiano Esposito, who has scored 8 goals this season.
• Notable Strategy: Empoli tends to concede the most goals between the 76th and 90th minutes.
• Recent Performances: Empoli has struggled to keep clean sheets, having failed to do so in their last five games.

Given their formation and injuries, Empoli will likely focus on a compact defense while trying to exploit counter-attacks through Esposito and Colombo.

Atalanta Team Analysis

Atalanta Recent Performance

Here’s how Atalanta has fared in their last five matches:

Home team	Away team	Result
Atalanta	Club Bruges	1-3 (Loss)
Atalanta	Cagliari	0-0 (Draw)
Club Bruges	Atalanta	2-1 (Loss)
Verona	Atalanta	0-5 (Win)
Atalanta	Bologna	0-1 (Loss)

Atalanta’s current form shows a mixed bag of results, highlighted by a dominant 5-0 win against Verona but tempered by losses to Club Bruges and Bologna.

Despite the inconsistencies, Atalanta has managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five games, averaging 1.4 goals scored per match while conceding 1 goal on average this season.

Their performance hints at a capable offense led by Mateo Retegui, the club’s top scorer with 20 goals, coupled with a relatively solid defense.

Atalanta Key Players

Let’s take a look at the key players for Atalanta heading into their match against Empoli.
Expected lineup for Atalanta:

• Goalkeeper: Marco Carnesecchi
• Defenders: Stefan Posch, Berat Djimsiti, Sead Kolasinac
• Midfielders: Raoul Bellanova, Marten De Roon, Ederson José, Davide Zappacosta
• Attackers: Charles De Ketelaere, Lazar Samardzic, Mateo Retegui

Mateo Retegui, the team’s top scorer with 20 goals, will be crucial in breaking down Empoli’s defense. Keep an eye on Marten de Roon and Ederson José in midfield, who will be pivotal in controlling the game’s tempo.

One interesting battle to watch will be Atalanta’s forwards against Empoli’s defensive trio, especially with players like Sead Kolasinac adding to Atalanta’s defensive solidity.

Atalanta Suspensions & Injuries

Atalanta are dealing with several injuries that could impact their performance against Empoli.

Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Erdis Kraja	Cruciate ligament	A few days
Odilon Kossounou	Hamstring Injury	Doubtful
Giorgio Scalvini	Shoulder injury	Mid-March 2025
Gianluca Scamacca	Hamstring Injury	Mid-March 2025
Daniel Maldini	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Isak Hien	Muscle injury	Early March 2025

While no players are suspended, the potential absences of defensive stalwart Odilon Kossounou and attacking talents like Gianluca Scamacca could be significant. These injuries might force Gian Piero Gasperini to tweak his lineup, impacting Atalanta’s typically robust defense and dynamic attack.
However, Atalanta’s depth will be tested, and players like Mateo Retegui and Marten de Roon must step up to maintain their push for a top spot in Serie A.

Atalanta Tactics and Formation

Atalanta Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-1-2
• Key Forward: Mateo Retegui
• Midfield Duo: Marten de Roon, Ederson José
• Defensive Setup: Three at the back with Stefan Posch, Berat Djimsiti, and Sead Kolasinac

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side is known for its dynamic and attacking style. They typically set up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, leveraging their wing-backs, Raoul Bellanova and Davide Zappacosta, to provide width and support in both defense and attack.

In the middle, de Roon and Ederson offer a solid spine, ensuring the team maintains control in the central areas.

Up front, Mateo Retegui will spearhead the attack, with Charles De Ketelaere and Lazar Samardzic providing creative sparks just behind him.

Expect Atalanta to press high and use quick transitions, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses from Empoli.

Empoli vs Atalanta Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
Atalanta	Empoli	3-2
Atalanta	Empoli	2-0
Empoli	Atalanta	0-3
Atalanta	Empoli	2-1
Empoli	Atalanta	0-2

Atalanta has dominated the recent clashes between these two sides, winning all five of their past encounters.
Empoli will need to overcome this daunting record if they hope to collect crucial points on February 23.
Atalanta’s solid track record places them as strong favourites, but Empoli will be eager to make a statement at Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Odds accurate as of 21 February 2025 at 17:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.