Sassuolo, currently trailing Empoli by two points in the Serie A standings, will aim to secure only their second victory of the year when they face off against their opponents on Saturday.
A period of poor performance has resulted in Sassuolo slipping towards the relegation zone, while their counterparts from Tuscany have managed to ascend from it with a notable five-game unbeaten streak.
Match preview
Following a disappointing performance against an in-form Atalanta BC last week, where Sassuolo faced 27 shots and conceded three goals, their defeat did not come as a surprise. The Emilian club currently sits just above the relegation zone, largely due to a superior head-to-head record against Hellas Verona.
Under Alessio Dionisi’s management, Sassuolo has struggled defensively, conceding goals consistently. Since the beginning of December, they have only accumulated five points, the lowest tally among Serie A teams during this period, alongside Frosinone and Salernitana, both of whom are struggling at the bottom of the table.
With Sassuolo experiencing a run of four defeats in their last five matches, the threat of relegation looms large, especially with the absence of key player Domenico Berardi. Their recent slide has allowed Empoli to surpass them in the standings, and Sassuolo risks slipping into the drop zone if they fail to secure a positive result at home on Saturday.
Despite their recent struggles, Sassuolo has shown resilience at the Mapei Stadium, losing only two of their last six league matches there. Additionally, with a track record of five wins from their previous six home games against Empoli, they will draw confidence from past successes.
Empoli, on the other hand, will approach the fixture buoyed by their recent form and managerial change. Under Davide Nicola’s guidance, they have experienced an upturn, becoming the first Empoli manager to remain unbeaten in his first five top-flight matches. With two wins and three draws in their last five outings, Empoli has climbed out of the relegation places.
Their recent performances, including a 3-1 victory against Salernitana and a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina, highlight their newfound resilience and determination. Empoli’s away form has been particularly commendable, with only two defeats in their last seven away fixtures.
As both teams prepare for Saturday’s crucial clash, Empoli holds the momentum, but Sassuolo’s home advantage and historical dominance over their opponents add an intriguing dimension to the encounter.
Team News
Sassuolo will face Empoli this weekend with several key players doubtful due to injury. Influential winger Domenico Berardi remains sidelined with a knee issue, while Pedro Obiang (Achilles) and Jeremy Toljan (hamstring) are also fitness concerns.
Despite a disappointing defeat to Atalanta last time out, coach Alessio Dionisi is unlikely to make wholesale changes. However, he may look to bolster his defense, with Gian Marco Ferrari or Roma loanee Marash Kumbulla potential candidates to start.
Up front, Andrea Pinamonti will be hoping to continue his scoring streak. The striker, who enjoyed his most prolific Serie A season on loan at Empoli in 2021-22, has found the net in each of his last three appearances at the Mapei Stadium, including the winning goal against Fiorentina last month.
Meanwhile, Empoli will be relying on M’Baye Niang to continue his impressive form. The forward is aiming to score in his third consecutive game and potentially displace Alberto Cerri in the starting lineup. Interestingly, Niang has now scored for more different teams (10) in Europe’s top five leagues than any other player since his debut season in Ligue 1 (2010-11).
Davide Nicola faces a selection headache on the right side of his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation due to the suspension of Emmanuel Gyasi. With Tyronne Ebuehi also injured, Bartosz Bereszynski or Matteo Cancellieri could be drafted in to provide cover.
Sassuolo possible starting lineup
Consigli; Pedersen, Kumbulla, Viti, Doig; Henrique, Boloca; Bajrami, Thorstvedt, Lauriente; Pinamonti
Empoli possible starting lineup
Caprile; Ismajli, Walukiewicz, Luperto; Bereszynski, Marin, Maleh, Cacace; Zurkowski, Cambiaghi; Cerri