Team Form & Recent Performances

Empoli

• 2025/26 Record: 1W, 1D, 2L in Serie B (4 points, 10th); 2024/25 Serie A 18th with 8W, 10D, 20L (relegated)

• Latest Result: Lost 4-0 at Pescara (September 21, 2025), drew 1-1 vs. Spezia (September 14, 2025)

• Home Form: 0W, 1D, 0L in 1 Serie B home game (1 goal scored, 1 conceded); 5W, 4D, 10L in 19 home games in 2024/25 Serie A (22 goals scored, 30 conceded)

Empoli are struggling to adapt to Serie B, sitting mid-table after a heavy 4-0 loss to Pescara, where they managed only 41% possession and 0.8 expected goals (xG). Their 1-1 draw against Spezia showed some fight, with Bohdan Popov scoring. At Carlo Castellani, they’ve yet to win this season, averaging 1.0 goal scored and 1.0 conceded per game. Over their last five games (1W, 1D, 3L), they’ve scored 5 goals and conceded 9. Injuries to Liam Henderson (suspension served, available), Viktor Kovalenko (doubtful, nearing return), and Tyronne Ebuehi (doubtful) are concerns. Their 44% possession and 3.9 shots on goal per game reflect a team searching for consistency.

Carrarese

• 2025/26 Record: 1W, 2D, 1L in Serie B (5 points, 4th); 2024/25 Serie C 2nd (promoted)

• Latest Result: Drew 1-1 at Catanzaro (September 21, 2025), won 2-0 vs. Avellino (September 13, 2025)

• Away Form: 0W, 2D, 0L in 2 Serie B away games (2 goals scored, 2 conceded); 6W, 5D, 4L in 15 away games in 2024/25 Serie C (19 goals scored, 16 conceded)

Carrarese, newly promoted, are holding their own, sitting 4th with a solid defensive record. Their 1-1 draw at Catanzaro, with Julian Illanes Minucci scoring, showcased resilience with 41% possession. Their 2-0 win over Avellino highlighted defensive strength, conceding just one goal in three games. Away, they average 1.0 goal scored and 1.0 conceded per game. Over their last five games (2W, 2D, 1L), they’ve scored 6 goals and conceded 3. No major injuries are reported, with Marco Bleve and Nicolas Schiavi fit. Their 45.7% possession and 2.9 shots on goal per game indicate a cautious approach.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: No direct H2H in competitive matches since 2005/06, when Carrarese played in lower divisions

• Recent Meeting: No recent competitive matches; historical data limited to friendlies or lower-tier encounters

• Key Trend: Limited H2H data; Empoli’s Serie B experience vs. Carrarese’s defensive solidity suggests a low-scoring affair based on current form

With no recent competitive H2Hs, analysis relies on form and context. Empoli’s home game against a promoted side like Carrarese mirrors their 2025 Coppa Italia loss to Genoa (1-2), where rotation exposed weaknesses. Carrarese’s defensive record (1 goal conceded in 3 games) suggests they’ll keep it tight. Empoli’s home struggles (0W in 1) meet Carrarese’s unbeaten away form (0W, 2D), setting up a cautious encounter.

Key Players to Watch

Empoli

• Bohdan Popov (FWD): 4 goals in 4 Serie B games; leads scoring charts. Scored vs. Spezia, a key threat

• Jacopo Fazzini (MID): 2 assists in Serie B. Creative spark in midfield

• Marco Curto (GK): No clean sheets in Serie B, 65% save rate. Needs to step up against Carrarese’s counters

Carrarese

• Nicolas Schiavi (MID): 3 goals in Serie B. Top scorer, key in transitions

• Stiven Shpendi (FWD): 2 goals in Serie B. Adds pace up top

• Marco Bleve (GK): 2 clean sheets in Serie B, 70% save rate. Vital for away resilience

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Empoli’s 4-2-3-1, under Guido Pagliuca, relies on Popov’s finishing and Fazzini’s playmaking, with Salvatore Elia and Matteo Lovato in defense, averaging 44% possession and 3.9 shots on goal per game. With Kovalenko and Ebuehi doubtful, they’ll lean on Stiven Shpendi, targeting Carrarese’s 1.0 goal conceded away, but their 2.25 conceded per game is a concern. Carrarese’s 5-3-2, led by Antonio Calabro, uses Schiavi’s energy and Shpendi’s pace, with Marco Imperiale anchoring, averaging 45.7% possession and 2.9 shots on goal. They’ll sit deep and counter, exploiting Empoli’s defensive frailties, with their 2 clean sheets in 3 games a strength. Carlo Castellani’s 16,800 fans will push Empoli, but Carrarese’s defensive solidity poses a challenge. Web buzz strongly favors Empoli at 1.20 odds, with over 2.5 goals at 1.47, citing their attacking edge and home advantage.