Udinese Vs Empoli

Udinese, determined to solidify their position in the upper half of the Serie A table, are set to welcome Empoli, a team grappling with the threat of relegation, on Sunday afternoon. This encounter promises to be a compelling clash, as Udinese look to build on their recent resilience, while Empoli desperately seek to turn their fortunes around in their fight for survival.

Udinese’s recent form has been a testament to their grit and determination. Last weekend, they held Serie A leaders Napoli to a hard-fought draw at the Stadio Maradona, a result that underscored their ability to compete with the league’s elite. Despite Napoli’s dominance in the league, Udinese managed to frustrate the table-toppers, showcasing a disciplined defensive performance and creating several opportunities of their own. Scott McTominay initially put Udinese ahead, but Napoli’s Jurgen Ekkelenkamp responded with a spectacular equalizer, ensuring the points were shared. This result extended Udinese’s run of draws to four in their last seven league matches, a significant shift from their earlier form, where they had only managed four draws in their previous 21 games. Despite this tendency to share the spoils, Udinese remain in 10th place, a respectable position given their struggles in recent seasons.

The man behind Udinese’s resurgence is their head coach, Kosta Runjaic, who has made a profound impact since taking charge. Just a few months ago, Udinese were battling to avoid relegation, but under Runjaic’s guidance, they have transformed into a team capable of holding their own against some of Serie A’s strongest sides. This season, they have secured draws against formidable opponents like Bologna and Atalanta, while also claiming impressive victories over Fiorentina and Lazio. These results have not only boosted the team’s confidence but also solidified their position in the top half of the table. Runjaic’s tactical acumen and ability to motivate his players have been key factors in Udinese’s improved performances.

As they prepare to face Empoli, Udinese will be buoyed by their strong record against their Tuscan opponents. The Bianconeri are undefeated in their last six encounters with Empoli and have lost just two of their 15 home matches against them in Serie A. Moreover, Udinese have scored twice as many goals as Empoli in these meetings, highlighting their attacking prowess and dominance in this fixture. The reverse fixture in November ended in a 1-1 draw, with Keinan Davis scoring a late equalizer to deny Empoli a victory. This result extended the trend of closely contested matches between the two sides, with each of their last three league meetings ending in draws. Udinese will be eager to break this pattern and secure a crucial win as they aim to climb higher in the table.

Empoli, on the other hand, arrive in Udine in a precarious position. The Azzurri are winless in 2025 and are coming off a disappointing 2-0 defeat to AC Milan in their last outing. That match was particularly frustrating for Empoli, as they were holding their own against a 10-man Milan side until Luca Marianucci’s needless red card turned the tide in Milan’s favor. This loss extended Empoli’s dismal run, as they have now picked up the fewest points in Serie A over the last nine matchdays. With just one point separating them from the relegation zone, Empoli are in desperate need of a turnaround to avoid being dragged into a fierce battle for survival.

Roberto D’Aversa, Empoli’s head coach, faces a daunting task in addressing his team’s struggles. One of the most pressing concerns is their inability to perform in the second half of matches. Empoli are the only team in Serie A this season that has failed to earn any points by scoring in the final 30 minutes of games. Additionally, they have dropped the most points (14) due to goals conceded in the last half-hour, a statistic that highlights their vulnerability in the latter stages of matches. D’Aversa must find a way to instill greater resilience and concentration in his squad if they are to avoid the drop.

Empoli’s upcoming schedule does them no favors, as they face a grueling end to February. After their trip to Udine, they will host Atalanta, one of the league’s most in-form teams, before taking on Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. These fixtures represent a significant challenge for a team already struggling for consistency and confidence. D’Aversa will need to carefully manage his squad and devise a strategy to navigate this difficult period, as any further setbacks could have serious implications for their survival hopes.

For Udinese, this match represents an opportunity to continue their upward trajectory and solidify their place in the top half of the table. Runjaic’s side has shown they can compete with the best, and a victory against Empoli would further validate their progress this season. Key players like Keinan Davis, who has been instrumental in crucial moments, will be relied upon to deliver once again. Udinese’s ability to create chances and convert them will be critical, as they look to exploit Empoli’s defensive frailties.

Empoli, meanwhile, must approach this game with a sense of urgency. Every point is precious in their battle to avoid relegation, and they cannot afford to let their poor form continue. D’Aversa will need to rally his players and find a way to address their second-half woes. The likes of Lorenzo Colombo, who has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season, will need to step up and provide the attacking impetus if Empoli are to secure a positive result.

In summary, Sunday’s clash between Udinese and Empoli is a match of contrasting ambitions. Udinese are looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table and continue their impressive run under Kosta Runjaic. Empoli, on the other hand, are fighting for their Serie A survival and desperately need a turnaround in form. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons, making it a must-watch encounter for Serie A fans. Udinese’s recent resilience and strong record against Empoli give them the edge, but Empoli’s desperation and determination to avoid relegation could make this a tightly contested affair. As the two sides take to the pitch, the stakes could not be higher, and the drama of Serie A will once again be on full display.