AS Roma vs Empoli
February is a pivotal time for AS Roma if they are to stay on track for a top-four finish in Serie A, and they will kick off the month with a game against one of the in-form sides today in Empoli.
AS Roma are currently in sixth place with 37 points, but they’re only trailing by three against second-placed Inter Milan. Empoli, on the other hand, have risen to 10th with 26 points, and they’re looking to cement their top-half status.
The Giallorossi usually have their way in this particular matchup, but Gli Azzurri are doing much better than most would expect given their recent stretch of positive Serie A 2023 results.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds have Empoli as the huge underdogs despite their unbeaten run, which should give them motivation upon facing Jose Mourinho and co. on Saturday.
Talking Points
Jose Mourinho not in a good mood
The Giallorossi saw their five-game undefeated streak end last Monday when they lost 2-1 against table leaders Napoli.
And then they were on the receiving end of a huge upset in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, as they were beaten 2-1 by Cremonese, a side that’s currently at the bottom of the Serie A standings.
Jose Mourinho was particularly angry about their shocking defeat against Cremonese. The Portuguese gaffer was so pissed about his side’s lacklustre first-half performance that he stormed down the tunnel before the half-time whistle sounded.
Cyriel Dessers converted a penalty for Cremonese after 28 minutes after AS Roma’s Rui Patricio brought him down inside the box. The hosts doubled their lead four minutes after the break when Mehmet Celik inadvertently tapped the ball into their goal following a cross into the box by Cremonese.
Andrea Belotti snatched one back for AS Roma four minutes into added time, but their Coppa Italia fate had already been sealed.
AS Roma have a great chance to bounce back because they have winnable games ahead. After meeting Empoli, they’ll take on Lecce, Hellas Verona, and Cremonese in Serie A, while they’ll face RB Salzburg next in the Europa League.
For this game, Mourinho is likely to maintain his starting XI, but he may name the likes of Diego Llorente and Gini Wijnaldum on the bench. Llorente arrived on loan from Leeds United, while Wijnaldum is finally healed from a broken leg.
Nicolo Zaniolo, who was Mourinho’s favourite before, is still frozen out following his failed exit attempt during the January transfer window. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala, and Tammy Abraham will continue to lead their frontline.
Empoli have gone a long way
Empoli have yet to lose a game since the winter break. By posting three wins and three draws, they’ve matched their best Italian top-flight streak since 2015, when they went unbeaten for eight consecutive games under Maurizio Sarri.
This is in stark contrast to last season, when they were on the verge of being relegated to the second tier, and they have Paulo Zanetti to thank for their remarkable rise.
Gli Azzurri are going to be bolstered by the returns of Fabiano Parisi and Liam Henderson from suspension, while Mattia Destro is closing in on a return.
Tommaso Baldanzi and Francesco Caputo will spearhead Empoli’s attack once more. Baldanzi leads the team with four goals, while Caputo has one goal and two assists.
History
AS Roma haven’t lost a game against Empoli in Serie A since February 2007 (W10, D3), when Nicola Pozzi led Gli Azzurri to a rare 1-0 victory at Castellani.
They’ve also never lost to Empoli at home in Serie A (W12, D2), and they’ve always scored in these 14 home games.
The Giallorossi have won their last two Serie A home games without conceding a single goal, and they are on the verge of doing so for the third consecutive match for the first time since May 2019 under Claudio Ranieri.
AS Roma defeated Empoli in their first matchup earlier this season by a 2-1 tally, as Paulo Dybala and Tammy Abraham scored one goal apiece, while Filippo Bandinelli found the back of the net for Empoli.
Betting Tip
The Serie A 2023 odds favour AS Roma for this fixture, as they’re priced at 1.49 to win. Perhaps Empoli are underestimated here since they’re installed at 7.20, while a draw is at 3.90 in the 1X2 market.
AS Roma aren’t immune to upsets here and there, and Empoli are going to be a stern opposition. But in the end, we feel that the Giallorossi will come away with three points on Saturday.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
