Atalanta vs Empoli Predictions

• Atalanta have failed to win their last two home Serie A fixtures
• Empoli have avoided defeat in six of their last 11 away league matches (3 wins, 3 draws)
• This fixture falls between two huge cup fixtures for Atalanta, who could take their eye off the ball

Atalanta have a lot on their plate

Empoli’s win against Napoli last weekend should embolden them ahead of a potentially winnable trip to face an Atalanta side fighting on three fronts.

La Dea booked their place in next month’s Coppa Italia Final with a 4-1 semi-final, second-leg success over Fiorentina on Wednesday and will travel to Marseille next week for the first leg of their Europa League last-four clash.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are also vying for a top-five Serie A finish that would guarantee them a Champions League berth but, with a lot on their plate at the moment, this is a great time for Empoli to be facing them.

Emboldened Empoli can gig in for another result 

Gli Azzurri are only three points clear of the relegation places ahead of this weekend’s matches, despite picking up a victory at home to Napoli last Saturday. Davide Nicola’s side have lost three road assignments in a row, but were not disgraced in any of them and can be hard to beat if their opponents are not willing to battle to the final whistle.

Atalanta may be mentally willing to fight for the three points in front of their own fans, but they may be physically drained after going deep into their reserves against Fiorentina. After winning seven league games in a row at Gewiss Stadium, Atalanta have dropped points in their last two and could slip up again here.

Backing Empoli to win or draw does not sound silly after they saw off Napoli with a polished performance last week. Niola’s side dominated much of the first half after Alberto Cerri’s fourth-minute winner and came close to doubling their lead when Nicolo Cambiaghi hit the post just before the break. In the second period, Napoli failed to create any clear openings as Empoli’s defence dug in.