Fiorentina vs. Empoli Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 27 April 2025 - bettingexpert
It’s the 34th round of Serie A, and Fiorentina, sitting 8th in the league with 56 points, will welcome 19th-placed Empoli to Artemio Franchi in Firenze. With Fiorentina fighting for a European spot and Empoli battling relegation, this match is pivotal for both sides. Fiorentina recently secured a 2-1 victory over Cagliari to keep their European hopes alive, despite facing a challenging travel schedule due to the Italian football suspension following Pope Francis’ death. Empoli, on the other hand, has been struggling with form and injuries, having not won in their last 18 league matches. However, they knocked Fiorentina out of the Coppa Italia earlier in the season, showing they can’t be underestimated.
Key absences for the home side include Moise Kean, their top goal scorer with 17 goals, who is doubtful due to an ankle injury. The away team will miss key defender Liberato Cacace through suspension and several other players due to injuries.
Referee Antonio Rapuano will oversee the match. Given Fiorentina’s recent form (DWDDW), home advantage, and Empoli’s ongoing struggles, a Fiorentina win seems likely. Bookmakers favor Fiorentina, and the recommended bet is for a Fiorentina victory.
Fiorentina vs Empoli Prediction & Betting Tip
- I recommend betting on a Fiorentina win. The home side has been in good form and has a clear edge over a struggling Empoli side.
- Fiorentina, ranked 8th in Serie A with 56 points, is fighting for a European spot and has home advantage.
- Empoli sits 19th with just 25 points and has been hampered by injuries and suspensions.
| Fiorentina vs Empoli Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Fiorentina to Win | 1.81 |
- Home Advantage: Fiorentina performs well at home and will relish playing at Artemio Franchi.
- Empoli’s Struggles: Empoli’s form has been abysmal, with multiple key players missing.
- Fiorentina’s Motivation: They are pushing for a European spot and will be highly motivated.
Fiorentina vs Empoli Odds
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| {Home team} vs {Away team} Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Manchester United | 1.83 |
| Draw | 3.10 |
| Arsenal | 2.75 |
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Fiorentina vs Empoli Odds
| Fiorentina vs Empoli Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Fiorentina | 1.81 |
| Draw | 3.46 |
| Empoli | 4.61 |
Fiorentina is the clear favorite for this match, backed by strong home form and recent victories that keep them in the mix for European qualification. Empoli, struggling to avoid relegation, faces an uphill battle amid injuries and poor form.
A win for Fiorentina seems likely, particularly considering Empoli’s dire straits this season. The odds reflect Fiorentina’s higher chances of securing all three points.
Given their current standings and motivation to secure a European spot, Fiorentina is expected to dominate this clash at Artemio Franchi.
Fiorentina Team Analysis
Recent Performance
Fiorentina has been in solid form recently, maintaining a streak of five games without a loss. Their recent performance includes a mix of domestic league and European competition matches. They secured a crucial victory in their last Serie A game against Cagliari.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cagliari | Fiorentina | 2025-04-23 | Serie A | 1-2 (Win) |
| Fiorentina | NK Celje | 2025-04-17 | Conference League | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Fiorentina | Parma Calcio 1913 | 2025-04-13 | Serie A | 0-0 (Draw) |
| NK Celje | Fiorentina | 2025-04-10 | Conference League | 1-2 (Win) |
| AC Milan | Fiorentina | 2025-04-05 | Serie A | 2-2 (Draw) |
Recent form: DWDDW
Fiorentina has scored an average of 1.60 goals in their last five matches and has also managed to keep one clean sheet, reflecting a balanced performance both offensively and defensively. They are highly motivated to maintain their push for European qualification spots.
Fiorentina Key Players
Fiorentina’s lineup features several key players who are likely to make a significant impact in their match against Empoli.
Moise Kean has been a standout for Fiorentina, scoring 17 goals in Serie A this season. His goal-scoring ability will be crucial, especially since he is in high demand from top clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona. However, his availability is in doubt due to an ankle injury.
Dodo, the Brazilian right-back, is another key player, with five assists and a potential transfer target for clubs like Barcelona and Tottenham. His performances will be vital in both defense and attack.
David De Gea brings experience and stability between the posts, making crucial saves when needed.
Expected lineup for Fiorentina:
- Goalkeeper: David De Gea
- Defenders: Marin Pongračić, Pablo Mari Villar, Luca Ranieri
- Midfielders: Dodo, Nicolò Fagioli, Danilo Cataldi, Rolando Mandragora, Robin Gosens
- Forwards: Albert Gudmundsson, Lucas Beltrán
Key battles to watch include Kean against Empoli’s central defenders and Dodo against Empoli’s wide attackers. These individual matchups will likely set the tone for the game.
Fiorentina Suspensions & Injuries
Fiorentina is dealing with several injuries that might impact their performance:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Edoardo Bove | Heart problems | Unknown |
| Andrea Colpani | Foot injury | Doubtful |
| Moise Kean | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
These injuries pose a challenge for Fiorentina. Moise Kean, their top scorer with 17 goals, is particularly crucial, and his potential absence will be felt in their attacking lineup. Additionally, the unavailability of Bove and the uncertain return of Colpani could weaken their midfield options. Coach Raffaele Palladino will need to strategize carefully to navigate these absences and maintain their push for a European spot.
Fiorentina Tactics and Formation
Fiorentina Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-5-2
- Key Forward: Albert Gudmundsson
Fiorentina consistently deploys a 3-5-2 formation under coach Raffaele Palladino. This setup allows them to leverage their wide players, particularly Robin Gosens and Dodo, to both attack and defend. With Moise Kean potentially out, much of their attacking play will likely go through Gudmundsson, who will be pivotal in linking up play and creating chances alongside Lucas Beltrán. Their midfield trio—Nicolò Fagioli, Danilo Cataldi, and Rolando Mandragora—provides a balance of creativity and defensive solidity. In defense, the back three of Marin Pongračić, Pablo Mari Villar, and Luca Ranieri will look to maintain a compact shape, crucial for their success.
Empoli Team Analysis
Empoli Recent Performance
Empoli has been struggling recently, with a run of five games without a win, which includes three losses and two draws. Their most recent performances illustrate their difficulties on both ends of the pitch, with only one goal scored per match on average and just one clean sheet in their last five games.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bologna | Empoli | 2025-04-24 | Coppa Italia | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Empoli | Venezia | 2025-04-20 | Serie A | 2-2 (Draw) |
| SSC Napoli | Empoli | 2025-04-14 | Serie A | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Empoli | Cagliari | 2025-04-06 | Serie A | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Empoli | Bologna | 2025-04-01 | Coppa Italia | 0-3 (Loss) |
In their last five matches, Empoli has had a hard time finding the back of the net, scoring just 0.60 goals per game on average. Additionally, their defense has been leaky, managing only one clean sheet. This form will likely concern coach Roberto D’Aversa as they prepare to face Fiorentina. Key to reversing their fortunes will be tightening up their defense and finding a consistent source of goals.
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: Jacopo Fazzini, Sebastiano Esposito, Lorenzo Colombo
Sebastiano Esposito, the top scorer with 8 goals, will be crucial for Empoli’s attack. His ability to find the net can be decisive against Fiorentina’s defense, particularly in exploiting their vulnerability between the 46-60 minute mark.
In midfield, Alberto Grassi’s experience and Liam Henderson’s versatility are key as Empoli looks to control the game and supply their forwards. The battle between Henderson and Fiorentina’s Danilo Cataldi could be particularly influential in determining midfield dominance. Sebastiano Esposito vs Fiorentina defender Pablo Mari Villar will be another key matchup to watch.
Empoli Suspensions & 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 |
| Youssef Maleh | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Szymon Zurkowski | Knee injury | Early May 2025 |
| Ardian Ismajli | Thigh injury | Early May 2025 |
| Christian Kouamé | Knee injury | Early May 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| ——————- | ————– | —————– |
| Liberato Cacace | Yellow cards | 1 match |
Empoli’s injury list is quite extensive, with key players like Saba Sazonov, Nicolas Haas, and Pietro Pellegri out for the season. This significantly weakens their defensive and midfield depth.
The suspension of Liberato Cacace further strains their lineup.
With several players doubtful or just returning from injury, Empoli’s squad depth will be severely tested against Fiorentina.
Empoli Tactics and Formation
Empoli’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-3, although they have experimented with a 3-4-2-1 in recent games.
- Defensive Setup: The backline features Saba Goglichidze, Luca Marianucci, and Mattia Viti, aiming to provide solidity despite some defensive vulnerabilities.
- Midfield Dynamics: Emanuel Quartsin Gyasi and Giuseppe Pezzella operate as wing-backs, with Alberto Grassi and Liam Henderson in central midfield roles, offering both defensive cover and support in attack.
- Attacking Threat: The forward line sees Jacopo Fazzini and Sebastiano Esposito operating behind central striker Lorenzo Colombo, aiming to exploit any gaps in Fiorentina’s defense.
- Strategy: Empoli might look to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, especially given their recent struggles. With key injuries and suspensions, maintaining possession and minimizing mistakes will be crucial.
Fiorentina vs Empoli Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiorentina | Empoli | 2024-12-04 | Coppa Italia | 2-2 (Penalties: 3-4) |
| Empoli | Fiorentina | 2024-09-29 | Serie A | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Empoli | Fiorentina | 2024-02-18 | Serie A | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Fiorentina | Empoli | 2023-10-23 | Serie A | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Fiorentina | Empoli | 2023-02-19 | Serie A | 1-1 (Draw) |
Fiorentina and Empoli have had a series of close encounters in recent meetings. Out of their last five games, there has been a mix of draws and a key loss for Fiorentina back in October 2023.
Despite Fiorentina being the bookmaker’s favorite and having the home advantage, past results show that Empoli can pose a challenge. The hosts will be keen to reverse their fortunes and secure a vital win as they push for a higher league finish.
Odds accurate as of 25/04/2025 14:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
