Lazio are on a two-match Serie A winning streak heading into Thursday night’s clash with Empoli. The two Serie A rivals are separated by a mere four points in the standings.
The Biancocelesti are eighth in the tables. Just seven points separate Maurizio Sarri’s team from the Champions League qualification places. Sarri’s team has improved form in recent matches and could still make a run at the top four.
Empoli are ninth in the Serie A standings. Coach Aurelio Andreazzoli has done brilliantly with the Azzurri. The Azzurri could qualify for the Europa Conference League, but they need to stay consistent.
Lazio won the reverse fixture between these teams 3-1. Empoli’s Filippo Bandinelli opened the scoring in the fourth minute, but Lazio battled back with three goals. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic levelled the score two minutes later for Lazio.
Manuel Lazzari scored to put Lazio in the lead and Ciro Immobile added a penalty all before the halftime break. Lazio won each of the last five matches between these clubs in Serie A. Sarri will expect the Roman club to claim another win versus the Azzurri.
Andreazzoli has two players on the Empoli injury list going into the match. Forward Emmanuel Ekong is ruled out until late January with a knee injury. Midfielder Nicolas Haas is ruled out of the fixture with a meniscus injury.
Sarri has two players on the injury list as well. Defender Francisco Acerbi is a doubt with a hamstring injury. Bobby Adekanye has a knee injury which could keep him sidelined.
Lazio took 10 points from the last 18 points available to them. Sarri’s team scored 14 goals while allowing 13 to the last six opponents.
The Biancocelesti are Serie A’s second-best home team in terms of points. They have obtained 20 points from 27 points available at the Stadio Olimpico.
Empoli picked up 11 points from their last 18 points available. They scored 11 times and conceded nine goals to their last six opponents.
The Azzuri have taken 17 points from 27 points available in the league this season. They are +4 in goals away from home and are unbeaten in three straight games on the road.
Although Empoli are decent on the road this season, they have not won any of their last 10 trips to the Stadio Olimpico in all competitions. Lazio have won four straight matches at home versus Empoli.
Lazio should continue their good form against Empoli. The Biancocelesti should claim a win and continue their potential run at the Champions League qualification places.