The match between Napoli and Empoli is getting closer and closer.
Both teams need the three points: Napoli with a view to the Scudetto, while Empoli with a view to salvation.
Below are Napoli's squad for the match against Empoli.
Napoli call-up list
Garcia has called up the following Napoli players for the match against Empoli:
Goalkeepers
- Contini
- Gollini
- Meret
Defenders
- By Lorenzo
- Jesus
- Mario Rui
- Nathan
- Olive
- Ostigard
- Rrahmani
- Zanoli
Midfielders
Forwards
- kvaratskhelia
- Lindstrom
- politan
- Breakers
- Simeon
- Zerbin
What to expect and the premises of Naples - Empoli
In a scenario in which Napoli finds itself having to face the challenges of defending the Scudetto, seven points away from the top of the table, the match against Empoli appears to be a crucial moment. Napoli's recent frustration is palpable, accentuated by the Champions League draw against Union Berlin which slowed down their progress towards the knockout phase. The pressure is now on the shoulders of coach Rudi Garcia, who however can count on a positive record against Empoli, with three wins and a draw. However, history suggests that Napoli will have to aim to score at least two goals to secure victory, given Garcia's side's tendency to concede goals in past clashes.
Empoli, on the other side, sail in troubled waters, finding themselves in the relegation zone after suffering eight defeats in their first 11 Serie A matches. With the highest number of defeats ever suffered at this point in the championship, the team is in a difficult situation, with history suggesting the possibility of relegation. Aurelio Andreazzoli, the new coach, has collected all seven points earned so far in the league and is faced with the challenge of reversing the trend, especially after the defeat against Frosinone.
On the pitch, Napoli could look to Matteo for inspiration politan, who scored in midweek and has good home form. For Empoli, Francesco Caputo could be the key, having scored two of the team's three goals in the last five league games, both away.
One stat to keep an eye on is that only one of Empoli's 11 matches this season has seen both teams score, which could suggest a one-sided game or a match with a low number of goals. The match therefore promises to be a crucial challenge for both teams, with Napoli trying to resume their winning path and Empoli fighting for survival.
