Empoli’s Resilience Shines Through in Serie A Survival Battle
Serie A strugglers Empoli showcased their resilience last weekend, bouncing back from a goal down to secure a draw against Genoa and maintain their fight for survival. This marked the first time this season that the Azzurri earned a point after being in a losing position, further highlighting their impressive resurgence. In fact, Empoli has accumulated all of their 11 points in their last nine Serie A matches (W3, D2, L4).
While Empoli has shown improvement in recent matches, their focus now needs to shift towards their attacking prowess. So far, they have scored a league-low nine goals in their 14 outings. However, six of those goals have come in their last four matches, and continuing this form in the final third will be crucial in extending their unbeaten head-to-head streak against upcoming opponents Lecce (W3, D1).
On the other hand, Lecce enters this clash in a state of turmoil, having not won a match since late September in all competitions (D5, L5). Their position in the Serie A table has plummeted as a result. Despite their struggles, Lecce has managed to avoid defeat in their last three Serie A outings (D3), with the most recent match resulting in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bologna, thanks to Roberto Piccoli’s 100th-minute penalty.
Character has been a defining trait for Lecce this season, as they have earned a league-high eight points from losing positions. However, their away form has been a cause for concern, as Roberto D’Aversa’s men are yet to secure a victory on the road in Serie A this season (D4, L2). Nonetheless, Lecce has managed to find the back of the net in each of their away matches, suggesting that goals could be on the cards in this encounter.
A key battle to watch out for in this match is between Empoli goalkeeper Etrit Berisha and Lecce’s attacking force. Berisha has had a difficult time against Lecce in the past, conceding five goals in two previous Serie A defeats. Additionally, Lecce’s Nikola Krstović has scored in three out of the four matches where both teams found the back of the net.
It is worth noting that Lecce’s matches have produced the second-lowest number of corners per game in Serie A this season, with only Torino having fewer (7.4) after 14 rounds.
Despite their struggles, Empoli’s resilience and recent form provide them with an advantage heading into this crucial match. Lecce, on the other hand, will need to find a way to turn their fortunes around and secure a much-needed victory to climb up the Serie A table.