Liam Duckstein
As Hellas Verona prepares to host Empoli at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi this Sunday afternoon, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With both sides languishing in the lower reaches of Serie A, this encounter promises to be a nerve-wracking battle for crucial points in their quest to stave off relegation.
Current Form and Standings: A Tale of Struggles
Hellas Verona finds themselves teetering just above the relegation zone, sitting 17th with 12 points from 14 games. Their recent form has been dismal, with three losses in their last four matches, including a heavy 0-5 defeat to Inter. The only glimmer of hope came from their spirited 3-2 win against Roma, showcasing that while they’re struggling, they can pull off surprising results on their day.
Empoli, meanwhile, occupies a slightly more comfortable 10th place with 16 points, but their journey has been far from smooth. The Tuscan side has been hard to beat recently, managing three consecutive draws, but their inability to convert stalemates into victories leaves them vulnerable.
Head-to-Head Dynamics
The historical matchups between these sides are tightly contested. Last season, Empoli managed to edge past Verona in one encounter, while the other ended in a draw. This trend hints at another competitive game, with neither team holding a decisive psychological edge.
Team News and Tactical Setup
Hellas Verona will be without suspended defender Diego Coppola and the injured trio of Frese, Juan Manuel Cruz, and potentially Ondrej Duda. Manager Marco Baroni will likely deploy a 4-4-2 formation, banking on the creative spark of Darko Lazovic in midfield and the energy of Tengstedt and Dailon Livramento up front.
Empoli
Empoli’s injury list is even longer, with Saba Sazonov, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Nicolas Haas confirmed out, while Tino Anjorin, Mattia De Sciglio, and others remain doubts. Their predicted 3-4-2-1 formation places the attacking burden on the young playmaker Esposito, flanked by Solbakken and Ekong.
Key Stats and Match Context
Verona’s struggles at home have been compounded by their defensive frailties, conceding 33 goals already this season. Empoli, although solid defensively, has been blunt in attack, managing just 10 goals from 14 matches. The match could hinge on Verona’s ability to exploit Empoli’s fatigue following their midweek cup tie that went into extra time.
Bookmakers’ Odds and Analysis
Despite Verona’s poor form, bookmakers slightly favor the home side with odds averaging around 2.60, while a draw is pegged at 2.93, and Empoli’s chances stand at 3.15. This tight spread reflects the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.
| Bookmaker | Verona (1) | Draw (X) | Empoli (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22bet | 2.57 | 2.83 | 3.22 |
| Spinbetter | 2.66 | 2.93 | 3.35 |
| Pinnacle | 2.60 | 2.83 | 3.38 |
| Betway | 2.50 | 2.80 | 3.20 |
| WilliamHill | 2.60 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
Prediction and Betting Insights
The match promises to be tight, but Verona’s desperation and Empoli’s midweek fatigue could tip the scales slightly in favor of the hosts. Prediction leans in favor of Verona securing a narrow victory.
Hellas Verona
For bettors, a safe bet would be on under 2.5 goals given both teams’ offensive struggles. A risky bet could involve a Verona win with a -1 handicap, banking on Empoli’s tired legs.