Empoli vs Sampdoria Betting Tips and Predictions

Empoli’s poor form has seen them slip into the bottom half of the league after a great first half of the season. Marco Giampaolo’s side probably have enough points already on the board to avoid dropping into a relegation battle but four straight defeats have left the club in freefall. The visit of a team below them in the league would normally be seen as a good chance for three points, but Sampdoria have been much improved in recent weeks and will be confident of continuing their fine form at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Back-to-back wins have seen Sampdoria climb away from the bottom three, while three clean sheets in their last four matches is a clear sign of the team’s new defensive resilience. Antonio Cassano has started to thrive in a floating role behind lone striker Fabio Quagriarella and Sampdoria suddenly look to have a lot of firepower, scoring five goals in their last two league matches. That upturn in form should see them get a result at Empoli this weekend, with a win sending Sampdoria into the top half.

Empoli are favourites for this Serie A game but it is impossible to side with them given their current form. Sampdoria have beaten relegation-threatened Frosinone and Verona in their last two games and Empoli will be a step up in class on those sides, but they should have enough to avoid defeat at least. Backing Sampdoria double chance at 3/4 with bet365 is therefore the play for this game, while Sampdoria to win 2-1 at 11/1 with bet365 also stands out as a very viable option.