Empoli v Napoli

Empoli vs Napoli Preview

Mid-table hosts Empoli were handed their first defeat of this new Italian top flight season just before the international break when they slipped to a 2-1 loss away from home at Lazio, while Napoli recorded a second home win on the trot in Serie A before the break when they beat Como 3-1.

Prior to their loss to Lazio, Empoli had produced a solid six-match unbeaten start to this new Serie A campaign which consisted of two wins along with picking up points in four draws as well.

Victories gained over Roma and Cagliari in 2-1 and 2-0 wins were both achieved away from home and having collected points in draws with Monza, Bologna, Juventus and Fiorentina as well, the hosts have been a tough side to beat so far this term.

Goals may be in short supply though at the Stadio Carlo Castellani for Sunday morning's clash with Napoli as five out of Empoli's opening seven games this season have resulted in Under 2.5 goals which have been helped by Empoli keeping four clean sheets to date.

Results on home soil though have also been solid where Empoli have been concerned as Roberto D'Aversa's side have been handed just two losses in their last 12 games at the Stadio Carlo Castellani which includes notable wins against the likes of Torino, Napoli and Roma towards the end of last season.

Napoli currently sit top of the Serie A table where the visitors hold a two-point cushion over second placed Inter Milan ahead of this weekend's action in the Italian top flight and the away side will be eager to maintain pole position with all three points here on Sunday morning.

Following a disappointing and heavy 3-0 loss away from home at Verona on the opening day of this new Serie A campaign, Napoli have pulled themselves together and turned things around by putting together a six-match unbeaten sequence which consists of five wins and a draw.

Victories gained over Bologna, Parma, Cagliari, Monza and Como respectively have helped Antonio Conte's side to the top of the Serie A standings but it is interesting to note that four of Napoli's five wins to date this term have actually been achieved on home soil at their Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

However, results away from home have been pretty poor by Napoli's standards as the visitors have managed to collect just three wins from their previous 15 outings on the road along with being handed six defeats and failing to score in eight of these trips as well.

Empoli v Napoli Verdict

Empoli are unbeaten in their last seven home games and five of these games have resulted in Under 2.5 goals which also includes keeping five clean sheets.

Therefore, our main bet will be Under 2.5 goals @ 1.72

Other side bets worth considering:

Under 2.5 goals & BTTS No @ 2.20

Correct Score: Empoli win @ 5.75