Empoli vs Genoa
Serie A
Saturday
3rd February 2024
Stadio Carlo Castellani – Computer Gross Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Serie A fixture between Empoli and Genoa.
Empoli vs Genoa: Preview
Empoli form analysis
Empoli’s recent form has shown offensive inconsistencies despite a capacity for impressive attacking performances. On December 30th Empoli were held to a dull goalless draw away to relegation strugglers Cagliari, highlighting difficulties breaking down defensively organized sides. Those issues surfaced again on January 7th in a 3-0 home thrashing by AC Milan. However, Empoli quickly rebounded with an offensive explosion on January 21st, demolishing mid-table Monza 3-0 at home led by a Szymon Żurkowski hat-trick.
Żurkowski and Tommaso Baldanzi have spearheaded Empoli’s attack but struggled to impact games consistently. Yet Empoli were able to trouble Italian giants Juventus four days later despite a narrow 1-1 home draw, as Baldanzi’s equalizer salvaged a point. So while Empoli have kept games tight defensively including just 16 goals conceded in 19 matches, unlocking deep blocks has hindered their ability to translate territorial dominance into goals. Adding a creative forward to complement Baldanzi could further unlock Empoli’s offensive potential and turn those draws against defensively minded sides into wins.
Genoa form analysis
Genoa’s recent form has shown defensive organization and fight but attacking inconsistencies outside of a few key performers. On December 30th Genoa earned an impressive 1-1 home draw against Inter Milan thanks to Radu Drăgușin’s equalizer. Four days later it was another gritty away draw by the same scoreline at Bologna with winger Albert Guðmundsson scoring. While showing solidity at the back across those games, Genoa struggled to create chances consistently.
They ground out another win on January 21st away to struggling Salernitana, with Guðmundsson netting the winner from the penalty spot after Matías Retegui equalized initially. Genoa showed similar determination in their most recent 2-1 comeback home win over Lecce on January 28th led by Retegui and Caleb Ekuban goals. So while Genoa has proven tough to beat due to organization and fight, over-reliance on the inspiration of Icelandic creator Guðmundsson and Argentine striker Retegui has limited their offensive potency. Adding a creative midfielder could provide greater service to their forwards and turn some of those draws into wins.
