Empoli vs Verona prediction, betting odds, and free tips 19/08/2023

UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org  | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly

The 23/24 Serie A season gets underway this weekend and while most fans will be looking forward to seeing how the likes of Napoli and Inter Milan get on after their form last year, there is already a bottom-of-the-table scrap set to take place. Verona travel to Empoli on Saturday evening in a game contested by two sides who finished in the bottom seven last season in what isn’t expected to be a thriller for the neutral. Ahead of the game, we’ve put together some free tips and predictions.

These odds are correct at the time of writing. Check with your bookmaker before confirming.

The best Empoli vs Verona predictions and picks

Empoli to win

Last season, Empoli and Verona played each other twice in Serie A and both matches ended in a 1-1 draw. Neither match was a classic which is unsurprising given the quality of the two teams but we expect Empoli to get the better of their opponents on this occasion. They are slightly more prolific than Verona and with a home crowd behind them and the enthusiasm of a new season, we believe they will just scrape the win.

Under 2.5 goals

Last season, Empoli netted just 37 goals in Serie A while Verona managed even less with just 31. It means that both teams averaged less than one goal a game which makes the under 2.5 market particularly appetising. What’s more, none of their last three meetings have seen more than two goals so this feels like a relatively safe market to bet on.

BTTS – No

Despite both of their meetings last season seeing both sides get on the scoresheet, we don’t think Verona will get a goal this time around. They have lost their best two strikers this summer, with Giovanni Simeone making a big-money move to Napoli and Coprari moving to Monza. As such, we can only see Empoli getting on the scoresheet in this one.

Empoli vs Verona: A good start is essential

Empoli

It’s still only been two years since Empoli were promoted and to their credit, they are yet to have been fully embroiled in a relegation scrap. Two back-to-back 14th-placed finishes will be looked at fondly in Empoli but they may be hoping for a little bit more this season. Veteran striker, Francesco Caputo, is expected to lead line the line for the home side on Saturday.

Verona

Verona’s status as a Serie A club came under serious threat last season when they finished inside the bottom three. Thankfully for them, new rules stipulated that they would have to face Spezia in a playoff to determine who would go down, something they took full advantage of as they ran out 3-1 winners. They will be hoping to avoid a similar scenario playing out this season, therefore a good start is imperative.

Empoli vs Verona head-to-head record and form

In the past 20 years, Empoli and Verona have faced each other just 15 times. Out of those encounters, Empoli have won five, Verona have won three and there have been a further eight draws.

Empoli’s form: DWDLL

Verona’s form: LDLWW

Empoli vs Verona FAQs

• What time is the match going to be played? The match will kick off at 17:30 UK time.
• Where will the match be played? It is going to take place at The Stadio Comunale Carlo Castellani.
• Who are the favourites? Empoli are the pre-match favourites at 5/4.

---

Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!