Genoa vs Empoli
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 16 October 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Luigi Ferraris (Genoa).
Currently in seventh place, Genoa have been pretty solid so far this season. The Grifone, of course, will look to take advantage of a very poor Empoli side as they welcome the Azzurri to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris this Sunday.
The visitors, along with Crotone and perhaps Palermo, are already shaping up to be among the relegation candidates at the end of the season. Empoli have won just one match this term, and although they did beat Genoa 2-0 last season, it’s been even longer since they have picked up a win at their opponents’ home ground. In fact, they have not beaten Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in over eight years.
Empoli’s away record is highly discouraging, as they have failed to score in all but one of their last eight road fixtures. Not surprisingly, they have also lost the vast majority of their games away from home. And the fact that they are missing a couple of defenders, with both Vincent Laurini and Andrea Costa definitely out and concerns about Federico Barba certainly will not help a team who have shipped 11 goals already. Whilst that is not by far the worst – Crotone have conceded 16, whilst sides like Sassuolo have conceded 12 – their attack has been an absolute disaster. If you want to win, you need to score. Two goals in seven games is not exactly going to help any team’s cause, and it is not surprising that this output sees them ranked last in terms of offensive output.
Meanwhile, Genoa haven’t exactly been setting the pitch alight with goals, but at the very least, they are grinding out results. Still, the fact that the only player to score in their past four games has been Giovanni Simeone – son of Diego Simeone – is great for the youngster, who has shown that he is very comfortable with spearheading the attack. Nonetheless, fans will hope to see others step up as well to assist him, and this upcoming game will be a good chance for some of his colleagues to find their shooting boots to keep their unbeaten home record intact.
Head To Head
The recent meetings between these two have been very even. They've both won two, with two draws on top of that. Genoa have won 1-0 in Empoli's last two visits here.
Stats
Genoa have scored 100% of their goals this season in the second half of games. They've been pretty solid in the opening 45, as 80% of their goals have been conceded in the second half. Empoli have conceded an average of 1.33 goals a game away from home.
Team News
Genoa are without defender Santiago Gentiletti through suspension, while forwards Lucas Ocampos and Leonardo Pavoletti are injured.
Empoli travel here without three defenders, as Federico Barba, Vincent Laurini and Andrea Costa are all out through injury.
