Two points currently separate Empoli and Sassuolo as the two clubs will meet at the Stadio Carlo Castellani in Sunday’s early game.
Empoli are in excellent form as the Azzurri are undefeated in their last seven. The club have drawn their last three matches which has helped solidify their bid for Serie A survival.
Sassuolo on the other hand have had the complete opposite performances in terms of form and currently sit 17th in the Serie A form table.
The Neroverdi have lost four of their last five, but defeated Parma 4-1 last weekend. Sassuolo will hope to continue those results, but Empoli have proven themselves a difficult team to beat at home this term.
Empoli may not be at full strength on Sunday as currently Tiberio Guarente and Lorenzo Tonelli are struggling to overcome injuries. Both will be evaluated ahead of the fixture.
Though not injured, Empoli should be worried about the goal scoring form of goal leader Massimo Maccarone (seven goals). The 35-year-old hasn’t scored since Empoli’s 3-0 win over Chievo on February 22. Since that three goal flurry, Empoli have only managed two goals in three fixtures.
Sassuolo finally have their defence back in tact which should put Empoli’s attack at more of a disadvantage. The Neroverdi spent several weeks and defeats with a ragtag pairing of defenders. However, Eusebio Di Francesco now has several of his first choice players back including Francesco Acerbi and Federico Peluso.
Sassuolo should line up with their three-headed attacking monster of Simone Zaza, Nicola Sansone and Domenico Berardi. Sansone scored twice while Beradi added another in last week’s win and the two will be hungry for more against an Empoli defence that has given up 29 goals.
Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri has been highly praised for the work he has done with the Azzurri this season. Several of the young players under his tutelage have raised eyebrows around Italy. This week Daniele Rugani (on loan from Juventus), Federico Barba and Simone Verdi (on loan from Torino) received call-ups to the under-21 squad.
Though neither team is in direct relegation danger, both are lingering near enough that some bad results could suck them closer to the bottom. However, a win will go a long way in preserving both clubs’ Serie A statuses for next season.
Form guide: Empoli (W-D-W-D-D-D) Sassuolo (D-L-L-L-L-W)
Expected Starting XIs
Empoli: Sepe, Hysaj, Barba, Rugani, Mario Rui, Vecino, Valdifiori, Croce, Saponara, Maccarone, Tavano
Sassuolo: Consigli, Vrsaljko, Peluso, Acerbi, Longhi, Brighi, Magnanelli, Missiroli, Berardi, Sansone, Zaza
