Empoli vs. Venezia Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 20 April 2025 - bettingexpert
On 20 April 2025, Empoli will host Venezia at Stadio Carlo Castellani for a crucial Serie A clash. Both teams are in the relegation zone, with Empoli and Venezia each sitting on 24 points, making this match a potential decider in their fight for survival.
Empoli, coached by Roberto D’Aversa, has not won a match since November and comes into this game off the back of a disappointing run, highlighted by a 3-0 loss to Napoli. On the other side, Eusebio Di Francesco’s Venezia has been collecting points consistently, with their latest result a 1-0 win against Monza, showcasing a more resilient form. However, Venezia will miss Daniel Fila due to suspension.
Referee Davide Massa will be in charge, noted for awarding three penalties this season. Empoli, the bookmakers’ favourite with odds of 2.27 for a win, have struggled at home. In contrast, Venezia, with odds of 3.50, has demonstrated an ability to draw matches away from home. With both teams desperate to avoid a loss, a cautious approach is expected, making a draw a likely outcome.
Empoli vs Venezia Prediction & Betting Tip
In this crucial Serie A clash, our recommended betting tip is a draw. Both teams are in the relegation zone with 24 points each, making them desperate to avoid a loss. Given their cautious play and recent results, a draw is the most likely outcome.
| Empoli vs Venezia Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Draw | 3.01 |
- Empoli have struggled at home, and Venezia have frequently drawn in away games recently.
- Both teams tend to play cautiously, especially in crucial relegation battles.
- Previous encounters between the two sides have often ended in draws, showing a pattern of closely contested matches.
Empoli vs Venezia Odds
Empoli, the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 2.27, are set to host Venezia, who lag behind with odds of 3.50. A draw is pegged at 3.01, reflecting the closely matched nature of the two struggling sides, both desperate to escape the relegation zone.
| Empoli vs Venezia Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Empoli | 2.27 |
| Draw | 3.01 |
| Venezia | 3.50 |
Given Empoli’s winless streak since November and Venezia’s marginally better form, expect a gritty, evenly contested match where a cautious approach from both teams makes a draw a likely outcome.
Empoli Team Analysis
Empoli Recent Performance
This season has been quite the struggle for Empoli, highlighted by their recent form:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Como | Empoli | 2025-03-29 | Serie A | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Torino | Empoli | 2025-03-15 | Serie A | 1-0 (Loss) |
Empoli currently languishes in second-last place, sitting in 19th position with 24 points to their name. Their recent form has seen them winless, as they have not secured a victory since November.
Empoli’s offensive woes are evident, having scored an average of just 0.20 goals per game in their last five outings. Defensively, they’ve managed only one clean sheet in the same period.
Their struggles at home will be put to the test against Venezia, another team fighting for Serie A survival. Expect a cautious approach as Empoli aims to break their winless streak.
Empoli Key Players
- Empoli’s top scorer, Sebastiano Esposito, has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, netting 8 goals. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial against Venezia’s defense.
- Midfielder Liam Henderson’s experience and presence in the central areas could play a pivotal role in breaking up Venezia’s play and creating opportunities for Empoli.
- Key individual battle to watch: Esposito vs Jay Idzes, with Esposito looking to exploit any defensive lapses.
Expected lineup for Empoli:
- Goalkeeper: Devis Vásquez
- Defenders: Saba Goglichidze, Luca Marianucci, Mattia Viti
- Midfielders: Emanuel Quartsin Gyasi, Alberto Grassi, Liam Henderson, Giuseppe Pezzella, Jacopo Fazzini, Liberato Cacace
- Attackers: Sebastiano Esposito
Empoli Suspensions & Injuries
Empoli is grappling with a significant number of injuries, which could impact their squad depth and overall performance against Venezia.
| 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 |
| Christian Kouamé | Knee injury | Early May 2025 |
With eight players sidelined, including key figures like Christian Kouamé and Youssef Maleh, Coach Roberto D’Aversa will need to rely on squad rotation and tactical adjustments to navigate this challenging period. This injury crisis might hinder Empoli’s ability to field a cohesive and balanced team, affecting their chances of securing crucial points in their battle against relegation.
Empoli Tactics and Formation
Empoli Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Sebastiano Esposito
- Midfield Core: Alberto Grassi, Liam Henderson
- Defensive Setup: Three-man backline emphasizing solidity and coverage
- Notable Strategy: Compact in defense with cautious progression in attack
Empoli relies on a 3-4-2-1 formation designed to provide defensive solidity while also enabling swift transitions. In recent games, Coach Roberto D’Aversa has utilized this setup to cover for multiple injuries, focusing on a balanced approach.
Key Points:
- Forward Leadership: Esposito, their top scorer, is vital for exploiting scoring opportunities.
- Midfield Dynamics: Grassi and Henderson are crucial for controlling the tempo and providing defensive cover.
- Defensive Cohesion: Empoli’s three-man defense aims to absorb pressure effectively, despite conceding 1.6 goals per game on average.
- Strategic Focus: With challenges in both scoring and defending, Empoli must prioritize a united defensive effort while being opportunistic on the counter.
This tactical arrangement is vital given their current situation, aiming to turn vulnerability into resilience against Venezia.
Venezia Team Analysis
Venezia Recent Performance
Venezia’s recent form has shown mixed results, with their last five matches reflecting their struggle to secure consistent wins. Here are their last five results:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venezia | Monza | 2025-04-12 | Serie A | 1-0 (Win) |
| Lecce | Venezia | 2025-04-06 | Serie A | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Venezia | Bologna | 2025-03-29 | Serie A | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Venezia | SSC Napoli | 2025-03-16 | Serie A | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Como | Venezia | 2025-03-08 | Serie A | 1-1 (Draw) |
Recent Form: WDLDD
Venezia have managed to keep things tight at the back, keeping two clean sheets in their last five outings. Scoring, however, has been a bit of a challenge, with an average of 0.60 goals per game in the same period. Their defensive discipline might help them grind out another result on the road, but they’ll need to capitalize on scoring opportunities. With 2.2 yellow cards per game on average this season, maintaining discipline will be crucial in this relegation battle.
Venezia Key Players
Expected lineup for Venezia:
- Goalkeeper: Ionut Radu
- Defenders: Alessandro Marcandalli, Jay Idzes, Fali Candé
- Midfielders: Alessio Zerbin, Kike Pérez, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, Gianluca Busio, Mikael Egill Ellertsson
- Forwards: Gaetano Oristanio, Christian Gytkjær
Joel Pohjanpalo is Venezia’s top scorer with 6 goals and will be key to their attack. His individual battle against Luca Marianucci and Mattia Viti will be crucial.
In midfield, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Kike Pérez will need to control the pace and limit Empoli’s attacking options.
Alessio Zerbin’s role on the right midfield will be essential in exploiting any defensive gaps Empoli might leave. Keeping their defensive structure intact will be vital for Venezia, especially given their average of 2.2 yellow cards per game.
Venezia Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Svoboda | Knee injury | Unknown |
| Filip Stankovic | Hamstring injury | Late April 2025 |
| Joël Schingtienne | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Richie Sagrado | Physical discomfort | Late April 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| ————— | ——————– | ——————— |
| Daniel Fila | Yellow/red card | 1 match left |
These injuries and suspensions could significantly impact Venezia’s performance. Michael Svoboda’s knee injury leaves a substantial gap in defense, while Filip Stankovic’s absence due to a hamstring injury affects their goalkeeping options.
Richie Sagrado’s physical discomfort and Joël Schingtienne’s muscle issues add further complexity to Eusebio Di Francesco’s tactical plans. The suspension of Daniel Fila also diminishes attacking depth, forcing Venezia to rely heavily on their available squad members.
Venezia Tactics and Formation
Venezia Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-5-2
- Key Forward: Gaetano Oristanio
- Midfield Engine: Kike Pérez and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia
- Defensive Backbone: Alessandro Marcandalli, Jay Idzes, Fali Candé
- Notable Strategy: Scoring crucial goals between the 76th and 90th minute
Venezia under Eusebio Di Francesco prefers a 3-5-2 formation, which provides a solid balance between defense and attack. This setup allows them to crowd the midfield and control the tempo.
Key forward Gaetano Oristanio will be pivotal in breaking Empoli’s defense, capitalizing on late-game opportunities. With Kike Pérez and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia directing the midfield, they will aim to outmatch Empoli in ball control and transition play.
Their defense has been reliable with two clean sheets in their last five games, largely due to the strong back three of Alessandro Marcandalli, Jay Idzes, and Fali Candé. Expect them to play cautiously but look for chances to capitalize in the dying minutes.
Empoli vs Venezia Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venezia | Empoli | 2025-01-04 | Serie A | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Venezia | Empoli | 2022-01-16 | Serie A | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Empoli | Venezia | 2021-09-11 | Serie A | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Empoli | Venezia | 2021-02-26 | Serie B | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Venezia | Empoli | 2020-11-01 | Serie B | 2-0 (Loss) |
In their last five encounters, Empoli and Venezia have drawn three times, with Venezia securing two wins.
These matches have been closely contested, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.
Empoli will be eager to break this trend, while Venezia will look to maintain their edge.
Odds accurate as of 18 April 2025 14:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
