Empoli vs Sassuolo
Serie A
Sunday
26th November 2023
Stadio Carlo Castellani
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Serie A fixture between Empoli and Sassuolo.
Empoli vs Sassuolo: Preview
Empoli form analysis
After surviving relegation last season, Empoli entered the new campaign aiming to build greater consistency and avoid another battle at the wrong end of the table. They made a solid if unspectacular start, earning a credible goalless draw away at Udinese. This defensive resolve continued as they claimed an impressive 2-0 win away at Fiorentina, with striker Caputo on target again. However, Empoli were soon exposed against one of Serie A’s in-form sides Atalanta, comfortably beaten 0-3 while failing to register a shot on target.
Their struggles creating chances resurfaced against surprise package Frosinone, with a 2-1 defeat seeing defensive issues reappear too. The trend of decent defensive displays but attacking struggles continued in a narrow 1-0 loss to league leaders Napoli. Overall, Empoli have shown they can be organised without the ball but lack productivity and precision going forward. Better supply must be given to Caputo from wide areas if they are to trouble opponents consistently.
Sassuolo form analysis
Sassuolo came into the season with stability but needing to replace the quality of departing players after another summer of change. They made a solid if unspectacular start, battling to a 1-1 draw away at Lecce with Berardi on target. But familiar flaws were soon exposed as clinical finishing from Lazio saw them comfortably beaten 0-2 at home. Sassuolo’s struggles creating high quality chances continued against Bologna in a 1-1 draw, relying on new signing Boloca to claim a point. A narrow 2-1 loss away at Torino displayed defensive weaknesses and a lack of control through midfield.
However, Sassuolo produced their best performance yet in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Salernitana, as midfield dynamo Thorstvedt grabbed a brace to salvage a point. Overall, Sassuolo have struggled to implement coach Dionisi’s possession-based style effectively. They have lacked midfield authority and defensive organisation to control games. But in attack the likes of Berardi, new signing Boloca and the emerging Thorstvedt offer optimism if supplied correctly.
