Verona vs Empoli Predictions

• Both teams have scored in 11 of Verona’s 12 Serie A games, and in 4 of Empoli’s last 5.
• Although Verona have won 4 of their 6 home games, Empoli are amongst Serie A’s best travellers, winning 4 of 5 on the road.
• Giovanni Simeone has 9 league goals this season, and the most in Serie A if penalties are excluded.

In-Form Verona Host Surprise Package Empoli

Verona are one of Italy’s in-form teams, with Igor Tudor overseeing just 1 loss in 9 games since his September appointment. That lone defeat was a 3-2 collapse at AC Milan after Verona had led 2-0 at the break, since which they have beaten Lazio and Juventus on their own ground, and earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Napoli last time out, despite being reduced to 9 men late on.

Verona have certainly entertained; their 12 Serie A matches this season have featured 46 goals, more than those of any other team. Both teams have netted in 11 of those 12, and Verona boast the 7th-best expected goals figure in Italy, a promising sign as they look for a third consecutive top-half finish.

They’ll face a tough test on Monday, however, against a newly-promoted Empoli side who only trail them on goal difference. Despite losing manager Alessio Dionisi after promotion, Empoli have excelled under successor Aurelio Andreazzoli, particularly on their travels. Their record of 4 wins and 1 loss on the road is better than all bar the top 4, and Empoli have registered eye-catching wins at Juventus and Sassuolo. They have not shied away from playing on the front foot since promotion, ranking as one of the highest-pressing teams in Serie A.

One for the Neutrals?

Neutrals shouldn’t be short of entertainment when high-scoring Verona welcome high-pressing visitors, but with the two teams possessing excellent home and away records respectively, I’m steering clear of the outright markets for a fixture which should see plenty of goalmouth action, and tipping both teams to score with over 2.5 match goals. Given Verona’s imperious recent record, I’d cautiously back them for a 2-1 home win when making a correct score prediction.

For those that fancy a go on the goalscorer markets, things are certainly going the way of Verona’s Giovanni Simeone, son of the fiery Atletico Madrid boss Diego, at present. He’s scored a remarkable 9 goals from just 16 shots this season, none of them penalties, and while it may not be entirely sustainable, his luck is definitely in right now.

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