On Saturday, Salernitana’s chance of a top-flight escape is two games from becoming a reality, but they will have to finish their season at Empoli with kickoff at 4 pm.
Salernitana, the Serie B side currently occupying a top-five spot in the standings, find themselves on the verge of a fifth consecutive win after back-to-back victories at home to Venezia and away to Cagliari.
A relegation dogfight with Cagliari has been the major talking point over the last few weeks. Still, Nicola’s men are already in touching distance of safety, with just two games remaining against Empoli and Udinese – both safe from fears of demotion.
Nicola’s impressive sixth year at the helm has seen Salernitana go unbeaten in six matches and only concede one goal.
Nicola has kept Genoa and Torino fighting for the top spots in recent years and recently engineered victories over Sampdoria, Udinese, and Fiorentina. As a result, Salernitana fans can dream of extending their stay among Italy’s elite to a second season.
After a spirited effort against Internazionale last weekend, Empoli remains in 14th place on 37 points, which should be enough to keep them afloat in Serie A. Though the Azzurri have won just once in their last 20 games, they found themselves 2-0 ahead at San Siro and looked set to cause an almighty shock with profound implications for the title race.
Empoli vs Salernitana Head to Head
Both sides have 11 games against each other with hosts taking seven wins while opponents with 3 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Inter 4-2 Empoli
- Empoli 1-3 Torino
- Empoli 3-2 Napoli
- Udinese 4-1 Empoli
- Empoli 0-0 Spezia
Away
- Salernitana 1-1 Cagliari
- Salernitana 2-1 Venezia
- Atalanta 1-1 Salernitana
- Salernitana 2-1 Fiorentina
- Udinese 0-1 Salernitana
Empoli Team News
With survival assured, Empoli boss Aurelio Andreazzoli may be tempted to make changes to his lineup, and he may start by giving playing time to Liam Henderson and Patrick Cutrone.
Salernitana Team News
Meanwhile, Davide Nicola must make a substitution to his lineup, as Emil Bohinen was given a one-match ban, ending a streak of good form that played a part in Salernitana’s recent revival. Another midfielder, Mamadou Coulibaly, remains Granata’s only injury concern, but veteran winger Franck Ribery received a red card and faces suspension.
Prediction and Odds
The hosts have some attacking ability of their own, too, and should be expected to score at least once in a potentially open game.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Both Teams to Score
