Cesena v Empoli: Promoted clubs renew Serie B rivalry

Date: 19th September 2014 at 8:11am
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Newly promoted clubs Cesena and Empoli will square off this Saturday in Serie A’s third week at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi.

Their most recent encounter last season in Serie B ended in a rugged draw that featured a total of five yellow cards.

Empoli lost their opening game of the season 2-0 to Udinese, despite playing fairly well. Two weeks later they played Scudetto favorites Roma, losing 1-0 in heartbreaking fashion.

Although Empoli’s attack, led by veteran striker Francesco Tavano was unable to find the back of the net, the defense held up surprisingly well against a formidable group of Roma forwards.

Cesena were unable to build on their opening day 1-0 victory over Parma, as they were outclassed in a 3-0 loss to Lazio in their second, with the defence having a particularly poor game. Cesena coach Pierpaolo Bisoli was extremely frustrated after the loss, and went on to say that Cesena lacked “the desire to bring the game to them”.

In contrast, Empoli’s back four has done exceptionally well, the club just needs its forwards, Levan Mchedlidze and Tavano, to match the defence’s level of play. Tavano is the teams primary goal scorer, yet he has had a negligible impact in the first two games of the season.

Although he let in three goals against Lazio, Nicola Leali made several key saves in a game in which Lazio could have scored many more. Central defender Stefano Lucchini really gave it his all, blocking numerous shots and crosses that were played into the danger zone.

Both teams have not started off the season in great form, and will look to improve upon their recent play.

Expected Starting XIs

Cesena – Leali; Capelli, Volta, Lucchini, Renzetti; De Feudis, Coppola, Cascione; Brienza; Rodriguez, Marilungo.
Empoli – Sepe; Laurini, Tonelli, Rugani, Hysaj; Vecino, Valdifiori, Croce; Verdi; Tavano, Mchedlidze.

 

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