Empoli vs AS Roma prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2024-05-25 18:45.
Conceding a late equaliser against Udinese (D 1-1) last Sunday means Empoli’s Serie A future hangs in the balance, as it left them in 18th, trailing Udinese by one point and Frosinone by two. With those two sides above them facing each other, the Azzurri must win to guarantee survival while a draw coupled with a Frosinone win will force a relegation play-off against Udinese – a tall order as Empoli face a Roma side still chasing UEFA Champions League football.
At least Empoli get to finish their campaign at home, where they’re unbeaten across their last three league fixtures (W2, D1), although far less encouraging is their recent H2H record here (D2, L5). Also working against them is their recent season-concluding form as they’ve only won one of their last three home league finales (D1, L1).
Roma left it late to beat Genoa 1-0 last matchday, and that hard-earned victory means that Champions League qualification is still just about possible, although to achieve such a feat they’re relying on Atalanta finishing fifth, and only fifth, this season. European football in some form is assured at least, as is finishing above city rivals Lazio thanks to their superior H2H record.
Losing to Atalanta earlier this month not only struck a hammer blow to their top-five hopes, but was also their first away league defeat since mid-January (W4, D3), so Daniele De Rossi’s side has travelled well of late. That, and their outstanding H2H record against Empoli, including three straight wins here while scoring at least twice, should fill them with confidence as they head north.
Players to watch: M’baye Niang has scored two of Empoli’s last three goals, both of them coming after the 85th minute, while Roma’s Tommaso Baldanzi will be keen to get one over his former club, especially as three of his last five goals came at this stadium!
Hot streak: Empoli haven’t conceded before half-time in any of their last five home league games (HT: W2, D3).