Empoli Vs Parma

As the 2024-25 Serie A season approaches its dramatic conclusion, the battle for survival intensifies, with two struggling sides set to clash in a high-stakes encounter at Stadio Castellani. On Saturday evening, 19th-placed Empoli will host Parma, a team that has become synonymous with draws this season. While Empoli’s form has been dismal throughout the calendar year, failing to secure a single league victory in 2025, Parma have managed to edge away from immediate danger. A win for the visitors could virtually guarantee their safety, leaving Empoli in an even more precarious position as the relegation battle reaches its climax.

Empoli’s recent performances have done little to inspire confidence among their supporters. Their most recent defeat, a 1-0 loss to Lazio, encapsulated their struggles this season. The match began disastrously, with Lazio scoring within the opening minute, setting the tone for another frustrating outing. To make matters worse, Empoli’s forward Lorenzo Colombo was sent off just before halftime after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. His dismissal left the team with an even steeper uphill battle against a side chasing Champions League qualification.

This defeat extended Empoli’s winless streak in Serie A to a staggering 20 matches—a club record that has left them languishing in 19th place, two points adrift of safety. Their last league victory dates back to December, and since then, they have managed only six points from a possible 60. Despite reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals—a rare bright spot in an otherwise dismal campaign—their league form has been nothing short of catastrophic.

Yet, there remains a glimmer of hope for Empoli. Their remaining fixtures include matches against fellow relegation candidates Parma, Monza, and Hellas Verona. If they can muster a late resurgence and secure crucial victories in these head-to-head clashes, they may yet pull off another great escape, much like they did last season. However, their home form has been a major concern. With just one win and a paltry seven goals scored at Stadio Castellani this season, they hold the joint-worst home record among Europe’s top five leagues. If they are to survive, they must immediately reverse this trend, starting with a much-needed victory against Parma.

On the other side, Parma arrive in Tuscany with a far more stable position in the table. While they have not been prolific winners, their ability to grind out draws has kept them out of immediate danger. Since their 1-1 draw with Empoli earlier in the season, they have shared the points in four of their last six encounters with the Azzurri. This penchant for stalemates has defined their recent campaign, with six draws in their last eight matches.

Though they have only secured one victory during this stretch, their accumulation of points has been enough to create a comfortable buffer between themselves and the relegation zone. Currently sitting six points clear of the bottom three—and seven ahead of Empoli—Parma are within touching distance of securing their top-flight status for another season.

However, their recent 2-1 defeat to Como served as a reminder that complacency could still prove costly. After appearing to be on course for yet another draw, they conceded a late winner, denying them what could have been another valuable point. This result means they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas just yet.

Away form has been a particular issue for Parma. Their last victory on the road came back in November against Venezia, and since then, they have drawn their last four away matches. While their resilience in earning points on their travels has been commendable, they will be eager to finally turn one of these draws into a win, especially against a struggling Empoli side.

Having earned promotion as Serie B champions last season, Parma’s primary objective this year has been survival. A victory on Saturday would all but confirm their place in Serie A for another season, while simultaneously pushing Empoli closer to the drop. For Empoli, this match represents a must-win encounter—one that could define their entire campaign.

The tactical battle between the two sides will be fascinating. Empoli, desperate for goals, may adopt a more aggressive approach, while Parma—aware that a draw would still be a decent result—could set up defensively and look to exploit counterattacks. Key players such as Empoli’s remaining attacking threats and Parma’s Dennis Man, who has been influential this season, could prove decisive.

In summary, Saturday’s clash is more than just another Serie A fixture—it is a pivotal moment in the relegation scrap. For Empoli, it is a final chance to reignite their survival hopes. For Parma, it is an opportunity to secure safety and condemn their opponents to an even deeper crisis. The stakes could not be higher, and the outcome will have major implications for both clubs’ futures.