Empoli vs Roma Betting Tips and Predictions

Roma have been in fine form recently, winning their last five Serie A matches, although they were beaten 2-0 at home in the Champions League by Real Madrid last midweek. Luciano Spalletti’s men are still eight points behind league leaders Juventus, but could yet mount a Scudetto challenge by extending their winning streak.

Empoli’s league form is very poor and they have not won any of their last seven matches, resulting in Marco Giampaolo’s side slipping down the Serie A table. With selection issues in defence and Riccardo Saponara suspended, facing Roma looks to be a very difficult challenge for the hosts.

Reason for betting tips

Despite an ongoing row with club captain and Roma legend Francesco Totti, Spalletti has overseen a terrific revival in form since his re-appointment at Roma. Spalletti will also be determined to impress as he ended his playing career at Empoli, which was also the first club he managed at the start of his coaching career. After a 5-0 win against Palermo last weekend, Roma should have far too much in attack for their mid-table opponents. The form book points to a Roma victory and even priced at 5/6 there is value in Spalletti’s men, while 2-0 at 15/2 looks a solid correct score bet.

Recent Form

All competitions, most recent first:

Empoli: LLDDLD

Roma: WLWWWW

Head to Head

Roma are undefeated in six meetings against Empoli, who have not beaten Roma on their own turf since February 2007. On Roma’s last visit to the Stadio Carlo Castellani, Roma were 1-0 winners thanks to an own goal scored by Luigi Sepe, who now plays for Fiorentina.

Statistics

Roma do not have a player who has hit double figures in goals yet this season, with top scorer Mohamed Salah striking nine goals, while Empoli’s star striker Massimo Maccarone has managed 11 goals so far. Roma have scored at least twice in their last five Serie A matches.

Team News

Empoli: Marco Giampaolo has issues in defence with Andrea Costa and Lorenzo Ariaudo injured and Lorenzo Tonelli suspended, while playmaker Riccardo Saponara is also serving a ban.

Roma: Stephan El Shaarawy is expected to return, but Francesco Totti is unlikely to start due to Edin Dzeko’s brace in Roma’s last match.

Want more Football Tips? We have betting previews and accumulators for all this weekend’s big games.