Inter vs Empoli Prediction: Team News, Predicted Lineups and Form Guide
A fascinating clash awaits us at the San Siro on January 19th, 2025, at 19:45 GMT, as second-placed Inter take on 14th-placed Empoli in a Serie A encounter. Inter, currently enjoying a strong unbeaten streak in the league, will be overwhelming favourites against an Empoli side struggling for consistency.
Inter vs Empoli Form
Inter's recent form is nothing short of exceptional, boasting an impressive undefeated run in Serie A. Their league standing reflects this dominance. In contrast, Empoli are currently mired in a winless streak, highlighting their struggles to consistently challenge in the league. Historically, Inter have a commanding record against Empoli, winning a significant majority of their recent encounters.
Inter vs Empoli Predicted Lineups and Team News
Inter Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Augusto, de Vrij, Pavard; Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, Zielinski, Barella, Darmian; Martínez, Thuram
Inter will be without several key players due to injury. The absences of Correa, De Gennaro, Bisseck, and Çalhanoglu will undoubtedly impact their attacking prowess and midfield creativity. Inter's rotation policy will see Augusto and Pavard starting in defence.
Empoli Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Vásquez; Viti, Ismajli, Goglichidze; Pezzella, Henderson, Grassi, Gyasi; Esposito, Fazzini; Colombo
Empoli also faces a significant injury crisis, with several key players ruled out, severely weakening their squad depth and potentially affecting their tactical flexibility. Empoli's absence of Anjorin, injured for the next 2-3 weeks, is a blow to their attacking options.
Inter vs Empoli Tactical Analysis
Inter, known for their possession-based style, will likely aim to dominate the midfield and create chances through their skilful attackers. Their strengths lie in finishing scoring chances, attacking set pieces, and creating chances using through balls.
Empoli, on the other hand, are likely to employ a more direct style, relying on counter-attacks and exploiting any defensive vulnerabilities in the home team's ranks. The potential clash between Inter's possession game and Empoli's counter-attacking strategy will be a key aspect of the match. Inter's weakness in stopping opponents from creating chances could be a point of concern, especially given Empoli's strength in stealing the ball from their opponents.
Inter vs Empoli Key Battle: Lautaro Martínez vs Ardian Ismajli
This match-up will be crucial. Lautaro Martínez, Inter's prolific striker, will be looking to exploit any defensive lapses in Empoli's ranks. His ability to find space and finish chances will be key to Inter's success. Ardian Ismajli, a key part of Empoli's backline, will need to be at his best to contain Martínez's threat. His aerial duels and ability to defend against skilful players will be tested severely. The outcome of this individual battle could significantly influence the match's result.
Inter vs Empoli Score Prediction
Given Inter's superior form, home advantage, and Empoli's significant injury problems, a comfortable victory for the home side seems highly likely. While Empoli might try to exploit Inter's defensive frailties, Inter's offensive firepower and overall squad depth should prove too much to handle. The prediction is a 2-0 victory for Inter. The low-scoring nature of this game, considering the injuries to both sides, makes an under 2.5 goals market potentially attractive for bettors. However, Empoli's ability to create chances through individual skill means that both teams to score is also a viable betting angle.