Parma Vs Empoli
Parma Vs Empoli Livestream
Parma and Empoli will each aim to secure their first win since September as they face off in Sunday’s early Serie A fixture at Stadio Tardini. A victory for the hosts could bring them level with their Tuscan opponents on 10 points, providing a crucial morale boost as they haven’t tasted success in their last six outings.
Parma showed promising form in last week’s draw against Como, managing to score the opening goal in a clash that saw both clubs promoted automatically from Serie B. Ange-Yoan Bonny impressed with a stunning back-heel finish, showcasing a creative spark in front of goal. However, despite flashes of brilliance, Parma’s recent record remains inconsistent, with two wins, three draws, and three losses in their last six games.
Back in Serie A after a three-year absence, Parma made a strong start with a draw against Fiorentina followed by a notable win over AC Milan. However, a series of dropped points has gradually seen them slide down the table towards the relegation zone. Manager Fabio Pecchia has earned praise for cultivating a youthful, spirited squad, and the board reaffirmed their confidence in his leadership with a new contract extension this week. To reward this vote of confidence, Pecchia will need to address his team’s tendency to lose control after taking the lead.
Parma’s historical record against Empoli gives them an edge going into the weekend, as they have beaten the Tuscans eight times with only one loss in Serie A, and hold an impressive 15-3 goal difference across these matches. Their last encounter, a thrilling 3-3 draw at Stadio Castellani in March 2019, saw both sides battle with plenty of intensity, though a high-scoring repeat on Sunday seems unlikely.
Empoli has seen the fewest goals in their Serie A games across Europe’s top five leagues, with only six goals scored and five conceded over their first 11 matches. Now led by former Parma manager Roberto D'Aversa, Empoli hired him to navigate a new chapter after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Under his guidance, Empoli has collected 10 points from their opening eight games, although recent losses to Serie A heavyweights Napoli and Lazio have interrupted their momentum.
In addition to Serie A action, Empoli has advanced to the Coppa Italia’s round of 16, where they’ll meet local rivals Fiorentina in early December. They are likely optimistic about taking home three points from Parma, as they have achieved more wins than losses in away fixtures this season.
Parma’s squad will see the return of full-back Woyo Coulibaly from suspension, but they will be without defensive pair Yordan Osorio, who sustained an injury on international duty with Venezuela, and Alessandro Circati, who remains sidelined with a long-term issue. Pecchia is expected to consider tweaks in the attack, with Bonny supported by wingers. Romanian internationals Valentin Mihaila and Dennis Man may be called upon to replace Matteo Cancellieri and Pontus Almqvist, who both started in last week's game against Como.
As Parma and Empoli face off, this encounter could be pivotal in their bids to reclaim form and stay clear of the relegation zone, especially as both teams seek to end their lengthy winless runs. With a solid defensive approach from both sides and Empoli’s penchant for low-scoring games, the matchup might not produce high drama, but it’s likely to test both teams' resilience and strategic flexibility.
