Empoli vs Spezia Predictions

• Empoli have only lost one of their last seven games, going down 2-0 to Roma last time out.
• Meanwhile, Spezia have lost each of their last four matches in all competitions.
• The visitors have conceded 12 goals across their last four games, losing three successive league contests to nil.

Empoli look to continue run

Empoli have enjoyed a fine start to 2023, only losing one of their six games since the turn of the year to pull clear of the basement battle in Serie A. Paolo Zanetti’s men suffered an unfortunate defeat against in-form Roma last time out, but a meeting with a Spezia side enduring a poor run represents the ideal opportunity for them to bounce back.

Empoli’s defeat to the Giallorossi – in which they managed more possession, more expected goals (xG), more shots and more attempts on target than Jose Mourinho’s men – was their first in seven games, and only Roma and Napoli have beaten them since late October. Zanetti’s men are unbeaten in four home games, winning three and keeping three clean sheets, and they look well-placed to avenge August’s 1-0 loss to Spezia.

Indeed, while Spezia overcame Empoli on the opening day, the two teams have enjoyed different trajectories since then. Luca Gotti’s men put together a five-game unbeaten run either side of the World Cup but have gone backwards recently, losing four successive games while conceding 12 goals, while they have been beaten to nil in each of their last three league outings. On the road, Spezia have lost a league-high eight games in Serie A this term, and their travelling woes may continue here.

Out-of-form visitors set for more woe

With Spezia in dire form and Empoli improving of late, backing the hosts for victory looks a prudent play for Saturday’s game – only eight Serie A teams have picked up more than Empoli’s 15 points at home so far this campaign.

Meanwhile, given Spezia’s attacking woes – only Sampdoria and Cremonese have scored fewer than their 17 goals in Serie A this season, the hosts could be set to clinch a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

* To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.