Empoli vs Roma
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 30 October 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani (Empoli).


Another game, another bad result. Such has been Empoli’s season so far. Many Azzurri fans surely wish they could either hit the “reset” button on this campaign, or fast-forward to its conclusion in May. Midweek brought about a defeat to Napoli, which was not surprising, but more frustrating will be the fact that the Tuscans again failed to find the back of the net.

With two goals in ten games, Empoli still have the worst-performing offense in the entire division. Even Crotone, who are still hoping for their first ever Serie A win, have fared better. In fact, there are numerous players – including Roma’s Edin Dzeko – who have scored more goals than the entire Empoli side. Some of the teams they have played, including Napoli and Inter, are not the tightest at the back, yet Empoli were unable to get anything out of those games – neither points nor goals.

Meanwhile, Roma have won four on the trot. And unlike their upcoming opponents, the Giallorossi have no problems finding the back of the net, with 12 alone during that run. They’ve defeated sides like Napoli (3-1), Inter (2-1) and made sure they kept their unbeaten record against Sassuolo intact by coming from behind to win 3-1. Dzeko in particular has been in excellent form. The Bosnian has netted ten goals, which is five times the total of Empoli and more than the total output from Crotone, Pescara, and Palermo – who are all candidates for relegation at the end of this season.

Empoli vs Roma: Head-to-head statistics

  • Roma have scored at least two goals in 11 out of their last 13 away games.
  • Empoli have not scored in their past seven games.
  • Roma have lost just two out of their last 27 games.
  • The Azzurri have not won this fixture since February 17, 2007. Since then they have lost four and drawn three across all competitions.
  • The Giallorossi have won 12, drawn six, and lost two out of their last 20 road games against teams ranked below them in the table.
  • The Lupi have scored 26 goals so far – the most in the league.
  • Empoli have won four, drawn six, and lost ten out of their last 20 home matches versus teams ranked higher than them in the table.
  • There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 11 out of Roma’s past 12 away games.

Empoli vs Roma: Prediction

With Juventus and Napoli, who are ranked first and third at the start of round 11 locking horns on Saturday, Roma will want to take advantage of any potential slip-ups to keep themselves in the running for the Scudetto. In fact, should Juventus fail to pick up all three points from their game, the Giallorossi could pull level – or potentially surpass – the Bianconeri with an expected win in this fixture.

For all intents and purposes, Roma should have no problems here. Empoli, as noted, are drowning and there appears to be no respite in sight. Dzeko has netted ten, including eight in his last six and the big Bosnian will surely be relishing at the chance to add more to his growing tally against a very weak opponent this weekend. Empoli’s bad attack means that the Giallorossi can look to keep a clean sheet here as well.

Empoli vs Roma: Betting tips

Both teams to score – NO at 19/20 (1.95)
Over 2.5 goals at 8/11 (1.73).