Lazio Vs Empoli

Lazio and Empoli, both sitting level on 10 points in the Serie A standings, are gearing up for a crucial clash at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. This highly anticipated encounter sees Lazio coming off a string of successful performances both domestically and in Europe, while Empoli, unbeaten so far this season, are on the verge of setting a new club record for their longest unbeaten run in Serie A.

Match Preview

For Lazio, momentum is building at just the right time. Their recent 3-0 victory in the Europa League opener, largely thanks to Boulaye Dia’s two goals, marked the beginning of a resurgence after a somewhat inconsistent start to their season. This was followed by a spectacular run of form that saw the team notch seven goals in their last two outings, including a hard-fought 3-2 win against a strong Torino side last Sunday. This victory moved Lazio up to seventh place in the league standings, showcasing their ability to handle pressure from higher-performing teams. Matteo Guendouzi opened the scoring in that match, with Dia adding another to continue his excellent form.

Lazio's new coach, Marco Baroni, seems to have found his rhythm, guiding the club to back-to-back European victories for the first time in seven years. Their 4-1 demolition of Nice on Thursday in the Europa League further reinforced the team's growing confidence. Taty Castellanos was the star of the night, netting two goals and bolstering Lazio’s reputation for being a formidable side in European competition when playing at home.

This run of success comes at a time when the international break looms, making it even more crucial for Lazio to maintain their momentum. On the domestic front, they have been especially strong at Stadio Olimpico, winning six of their last eight Serie A home matches, with two draws. Their home form is particularly significant as they average two goals per game during this stretch, a statistic that signals danger for their upcoming opponents, Empoli.

Historically, Lazio have dominated this fixture at home. Empoli have never won a top-flight match at Stadio Olimpico, having suffered defeat in 10 of their 14 visits. This stark contrast in form between the two clubs at Lazio’s home ground paints a challenging picture for Empoli’s hopes of getting a result. However, Empoli's current run of form suggests that they could be up for the challenge.

Empoli’s Unbeaten Streak and Quest for a New Record

Empoli, under the guidance of head coach Roberto D'Aversa, have enjoyed an exceptional start to the 2024-25 season. Their defensive solidity has been a key factor in their unbeaten streak, and they now stand on the brink of setting a new club record if they manage to avoid defeat against Lazio. They’ve never gone nine consecutive games without losing in Serie A, and with a string of solid performances under their belt, they’ll arrive in Rome brimming with confidence.

The Azzurri’s last encounter, the Derby dell'Arno against local rivals Fiorentina, ended in a stalemate with neither side managing to register a goal. Despite the lack of attacking flair in that match, Empoli showed their defensive resilience, keeping Fiorentina’s attacking threats at bay. This 0-0 draw followed consecutive wins in both the Serie A and Coppa Italia, underlining the team’s ability to grind out results in tight matches. Although Empoli only managed one shot on target in the game, their ability to hold Fiorentina—a team known for its offensive prowess—without conceding speaks volumes about their defensive organization.

Empoli's tally of 10 points equals their best-ever start to a Serie A campaign at this stage. This achievement is even more impressive considering that just a few months ago, the team narrowly escaped relegation. Their form has carried over from last season, and they are now undefeated in their last 10 league and cup games. This remarkable turnaround has instilled a sense of belief within the squad, and D'Aversa will undoubtedly be hoping that his side can continue this momentum against a Lazio team that seems to be hitting its stride.

Empoli’s Defensive Prowess

Much of Empoli’s success this season has been built on a rock-solid defense. The team has kept clean sheets in their last three league matches against Juventus, Cagliari, and Fiorentina, which is no small feat given the attacking talent in Serie A. In fact, only Juventus and Napoli have conceded fewer shots on target than Empoli this season, a testament to how well-organized and disciplined the Azzurri have been at the back.

Empoli’s defensive solidity will be put to the test against a Lazio side that has found its scoring boots in recent weeks. With Taty Castellanos in fine form and Boulaye Dia contributing regularly, Lazio have the attacking options to break down even the most stubborn defenses. However, if Empoli’s backline can maintain the composure and discipline they have shown thus far, they may well frustrate Lazio’s forward line and extend their unbeaten run.

Lazio’s Attacking Threats

As Lazio look to build on their recent success, much of their attacking play will revolve around the form of their key players. Taty Castellanos, who has been in scintillating form in both domestic and European competition, will once again be the focal point of their attack. His ability to find space and convert chances has made him a key asset for Lazio this season. Boulaye Dia, too, has been an important figure in Lazio’s attack, consistently finding the back of the net in crucial moments.

Under Marco Baroni’s leadership, Lazio have developed a more dynamic and fluid style of play. Baroni’s tactical approach has allowed players like Castellanos and Dia to thrive, while also giving midfielders like Matteo Guendouzi the freedom to push forward and contribute to the attack. Guendouzi’s versatility has been a key factor in Lazio’s recent success, as his ability to break up opposition play and transition quickly into attack has provided Lazio with an additional layer of creativity.

Lazio’s strength lies not only in their attacking prowess but also in their ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Baroni’s emphasis on a high-pressing, possession-based style of play has made Lazio difficult to break down, especially at home. Empoli will need to be prepared to absorb pressure for long stretches and make the most of their counter-attacking opportunities if they hope to come away with a result.

Key Battles and Tactical Analysis

One of the key battles in this match will be Lazio’s attack versus Empoli’s defense. Lazio have been scoring freely in recent weeks, but they will come up against one of the most disciplined defenses in Serie A. Empoli’s ability to stay compact and organized will be crucial in limiting the space available to players like Castellanos and Dia. If Empoli can frustrate Lazio’s attackers and force them into taking low-percentage shots, they may be able to keep the Biancocelesti at bay.

Another area of the pitch where this match could be decided is in midfield. Lazio’s midfield, led by Guendouzi, will look to control the game and dominate possession, while Empoli will likely adopt a more defensive approach, sitting deep and looking to hit on the counter. The midfield battle will be crucial in determining which team is able to impose their style of play on the match.

Empoli’s best chance of getting a result will likely come from set-pieces and counter-attacks. With Lazio expected to dominate possession, Empoli will need to be clinical when they do get opportunities. D’Aversa will be relying on his team’s defensive organization to keep the game close and give them a chance to snatch a result late on.

Conclusion

Sunday’s clash at Stadio Olimpico promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams in fine form. Lazio, buoyed by recent victories in both Serie A and Europe, will be looking to continue their winning streak and move further up the table. Empoli, on the other hand, will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run and set a new club record.

While Lazio will be favorites to win given their superior squad and home advantage, Empoli’s defensive resilience cannot be underestimated. If they can keep things tight at the back and frustrate Lazio’s attackers, they could well leave Rome with a point or even a historic victory. The outcome of this match will likely depend on whether Empoli can continue their defensive heroics or whether Lazio’s in-form attackers will prove too strong.