Napoli vs. Empoli Tips and Odds – 14/04/2025

• Fixture: Napoli vs. Empoli
• Date: Sunday, April 14, 2025
• Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy

Match Preview

Napoli will welcome Empoli to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this Sunday in a clash that pits the Serie A title hopefuls against a side battling for survival. Napoli, currently second in the standings with 65 points, are looking to keep pace with league leaders Inter Milan. Meanwhile, Empoli find themselves in 18th place with just 24 points and are desperate for a result to escape the relegation zone.

Napoli come into this match on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bologna, a game in which they missed an opportunity to capitalize on Inter’s slip-up. The Partenopei have been consistent at home, remaining unbeaten in their last seven league matches in Naples. However, injuries and suspensions have left them short-handed. Key players like André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Giovanni Di Lorenzo are suspended due to yellow card accumulation, while Scott McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola remain doubtful with injuries. Despite these setbacks, Napoli’s depth and tactical flexibility under Rudi García make them formidable opponents.

Empoli’s season has been plagued by inconsistency and a lack of firepower up front. Their most recent outing was a goalless draw against Cagliari, but prior to that, they suffered heavy defeats against Atalanta (5-0) and AC Milan (2-0). They have only managed two wins in their last 26 league games and have conceded at least one goal in their last 13 away matches. Adding to their woes is the absence of forward Cristian Kouamé, who is sidelined with an ACL injury. Coach Roberto D’Aversa will need to rely on his defensive setup and hope for moments of brilliance from players like Sebastiano Esposito and Lorenzo Colombo.

Historically, Napoli have dominated this fixture at home, winning seven of their last 12 meetings at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. However, Empoli shocked Napoli last season with two narrow 1-0 victories. Given the stakes for both teams—Napoli chasing the title and Empoli fighting relegation—this promises to be an intense encounter. Napoli’s attacking prowess and Empoli’s defensive struggles suggest that the home side will likely dominate possession and create numerous chances.

Key Players

Napoli:

• Romelu Lukaku: The Belgian striker has been in fine form recently and will be crucial in leading Napoli’s attack against a vulnerable Empoli defense.
• Pasquale Mazzocchi: With Di Lorenzo suspended, Mazzocchi will need to step up at right-back both defensively and offensively.
• Alex Meret: The goalkeeper has been reliable this season with 13 clean sheets. His composure will be vital if Empoli manage to create scoring opportunities.

Empoli:

• Sebastiano Esposito: The young forward has shown flashes of brilliance this season and could be key if Empoli are to trouble Napoli’s defense.
• Lorenzo Colombo: Another attacking option for Empoli who could capitalize on any lapses in Napoli’s backline.
• Elia Caprile: The goalkeeper will need to deliver an extraordinary performance to keep Napoli’s attackers at bay.

Prediction

Napoli are clear favorites for this match given their superior squad quality and home advantage. While injuries and suspensions might disrupt their rhythm slightly, they should still have enough firepower to overcome an Empoli side that has struggled all season. Empoli’s defensive frailties and lack of cutting edge in attack make it difficult to see them taking anything from this game.

Predicted Scoreline: Napoli 2-0 Empoli

Betting Markets

Napoli’s dominance at home makes them a strong pick for this match. For value bets, consider “Under 2.5 Goals” or “Both Teams Not to Score,” given Empoli’s struggles in attack.