Fiorentina v Empoli

Fiorentina vs Empoli Preview

This weekend's fixtures in the Italian top flight will be rounded off with this upcoming clash between Fiorentina and Empoli at the Stadio Artemio Franchi with the hosts looking for a fifth win in six matches in Serie A, while Empoli will be eager to lift themselves out of the bottom three of the table.

A resounding and most impressive 3-1 win away from home at Napoli last time out just before the international break not only handed Fiorentina a welcome three points but it also helped lift Vincenzo Italiano's side up into fourth place in the Serie A standings.

Having previously captured wins against Atalanta, Udinese, Cagliari and Napoli respectively along with a point gained in a draw away at Frosinone, Fiorentina will be in confident mood when they return to the home surroundings of their Stadio Artemio Franchi for Monday night's fixture.

The bigger picture shows Fiorentina have slipped to just one defeat out of their last 12 matches overall in the domestic top flight whilst also collecting eight wins in the process and on home soil, the hosts are unbeaten in their last 11 games, picking up seven wins along the way.

Monday night's visitors, Empoli, therefore look to have a mountain to climb if they're to get anything from this upcoming trip to Florence especially as Empoli have managed to register just one win so far in this season's Serie A campaign along with being handed no fewer than six defeats within their opening eight games of the new term.

That rare highlight came in the form of a narrow 1-0 home win against fellow strugglers, Salernitana, but their six defeats includes losses on the road at Monza, Roma and Bologna respectively, so Empoli's prospects of picking up all three points at the Stadio Artemio Franchi do seem slim at best.

The bigger picture shows Empoli have now failed to win any of their last 12 away trips on their travels and have been dealt eight defeats in the process, but goals may actually be in short supply here on Monday night as seven of Empoli's last 12 away games have also resulted in Under 2.5 goals scored.

Fiorentina v Empoli Verdict

All indications therefore seemingly point towards a straightforward home win for Fiorentina here on Monday night but previous meetings between Fiorentina and Empoli have been anything but straightforward in recent times.

Indeed, the honours are even over the past six meetings with two wins, two draws and two defeats apiece while Empoli have won four of the last nine meetings which gives the visitors a fighting chance here.

However, the goals market appeals here as five out of these last nine encounters have produced Under 2.5 goals and another tight battle may unfold here on Monday night.

Therefore, our main bet will be Under 2.5 goals @ 2.25

Other side bets worth considering:

Empoli win @ 8.00

Correct score: Empoli 1-0 @ 21.00