Empoli will be trying to leapfrog Juventus in the Serie A standings when the Azzurri host the Bianconeri Sunday afternoon at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Juventus currently sit in 10th, with a single point separating them from their humble opponents.
Marco Giampaolo has seen his team enter into in a good run of form, with three victories in their last five games. Juventus can boast an similar record during this period, but Juve’s loftier expectations for this season mean that there is less to get excited over in Turin. Juventus currently find themselves nine points behind league leaders Fiorentina and Inter. Empoli on the other hand will be content to find themselves five points off the relegation zone.
Massimiliano Allegri’s men are undefeated in their past three Serie A fixtures. This is not usually something to write home about but given Juve’s struggles this season, this is a run of form that can be used to build off of. Astonishingly, Juve are looking for consecutive victories for just the first time this season. The Bianconeri’s play seems to be improving and have slowly been climbing back up the table.
Riccardo Saponara is Empoli’s leading scorer with four goals. Paulo Dybala is Juventus top poacher with the same tally.
The Old Lady have historically dominated this fixture with 10 wins, three draws and just a single losses in 14 matches. Supporters can also take heart in Juventus’ goalscoring form against Empoli, scoring at least two goals in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Levan Mchedlidze and Daniele Croce are missing through injury for the home side. Kastriot Dermaku and Uros Cosic the long-term absentees. Roberto Pereyra and Kwadwo Asamoah are out of action for the visitors. Sami Khedira returned to training following a calf injury but is listed as doubtful.
Form Guide: Empoli (W-D-W-L-W) Juventus (W-L-W-D-W)
Expected Starting XIs
Empoli: Skorupski; Laurini, Tonelli, Costa, Mario Rui; Zielinski, Maiello, Paredes; Saponara; Pucciarelli, Maccarone
Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Morata
