Empoli are hoping to improve their recent form as they entertain a confident Genoa in the early Saturday game.
The home side were undone by a impressive second half showing by Roma last week as they lost 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico. The result leaves Empoli just one place and two points above the relegation zone. Empoli will though need to show more going forward having only scored two goals in their last 360 minutes of Serie A action.
Genoa meanwhile have begun to show their impressive form from last season. The Rossoblu have collected seven points from their last three games, securing wins against AC Milan and Chievo. However the Grifone will hope to improve on the road as they have failed to win their last five away matches in Serie A.
Empoli do have recent history on their side as they are undefeated in their last five home matches against Genoa in all competitions. Last season both games between the two sides ended in 1-1 draws. Although both of Genoa’s goal scorers Andrea Bertolacci and M’Baye Niang both left the side this summer.
Empoli will have Piotr Zielinski and Vincent Laurini both available after missing the game against Roma due to suspension and injury. Coach Marco Giampaolo will though be without former AC Milan man Riccardo Saponara who is suspended which means Roma loanee Leandro Paredes will once again be in the starting line up. Giampaolo will also be without duo Levan Mchedlidze and Daniele Croce who are injured.
Genoa meanwhile will have Blerim Dzemaili out due to suspension which means Tino Costa is likely to come into the team. Goran Pandev is out injured and it is not known when he will return to the side. Cristian Ansaldi is a doubt for the Empoli game but could be fit enough to start the game on the bench.
Form Guide: Empoli (W-L-L-W-L) Genoa (L-L-W-D-W)
Expected Starting XIs
Empoli: Skorupski; Laurini, Tonelli, Costa, Mario Rui; Zielinski, Maiello, Buchel; Krunic; Pucciarelli, Maccarone
Genoa: Perin; De Maio, Burdisso, Izzo; Cissokho, Rincon Tino Costa, Laxalt; Gakpe, Pavoletti, Perotti
Infographic from www.sporticos.com
