Event details:
NAME: Empoli – Monza
DATE: 17 Aug 2024
TIME: 18:45 UTC
VENUE: Carlo Castellani, Empoli, Italy
Football fans are gearing up for an exciting Serie A clash as Empoli takes on Monza in a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter. These two teams have had their share of ups and downs this season, making their upcoming face-off a crucial fixture for both sides. With points on the line and bragging rights at stake, this game has the potential to shake up the league standings.
The matchup between Empoli and Monza brings together two clubs with different trajectories and playing styles. This article delves into their head-to-head history, examines the current form of both teams, and provides insights into the tactical approaches they might employ. By analyzing key players, recent performances, and potential strategies, we aim to give readers a comprehensive preview of what to expect when these two Serie A contenders square off on the pitch.
Historical Head-to-Head Analysis
The rivalry between Empoli and Monza has been relatively recent, with their encounters primarily taking place in Serie A and Serie B since 2020. This analysis delves into their previous meetings, key statistics, and notable performances.
Previous Encounters
Since 2020, Empoli and Monza have faced each other six times in competitive matches. The head-to-head record shows a balanced competition, with both teams securing two victories each and two matches ending in draws. Their most recent encounter on August 26, 2023, saw Monza emerge victorious with a 2-0 win at home. Prior to that, Monza also claimed a 2-1 victory on March 4, 2023. Empoli’s last win against Monza came on October 15, 2022, with a narrow 1-0 victory at home.
Key Statistics
The overall goal tally in their six encounters stands at 11, with Empoli scoring 6 goals and Monza netting 5. This indicates a closely contested series of matches with an average of 1.83 goals per game. The head-to-head statistics reveal:
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empoli | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Monza | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
These numbers highlight the evenly matched nature of their encounters, with both teams displaying similar performance levels in their direct confrontations.
Notable Performances
While specific standout individual performances are not detailed in the provided information, the match results suggest some noteworthy team displays. Monza’s recent 2-0 victory stands out as their most convincing win in the series, showcasing their ability to dominate Empoli. On the other hand, Empoli’s 1-0 win in October 2022 demonstrates their capability to secure tight victories against Monza.
It’s worth noting that two of their encounters ended in goalless draws (0-0), indicating that both teams have shown the ability to maintain solid defensive structures against each other. The fact that four out of six matches were decided by a single goal or ended in a draw further emphasizes the competitive nature of this fixture.
Current Form and Team News
Empoli’s Recent Results
Empoli’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with their last five Serie A matches yielding two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their most notable result came on May 26, when they secured a 2-1 victory against AS Roma. However, they have struggled to maintain consistency, as evidenced by their 2-0 loss to Lazio and a goalless draw against Frosinone. Empoli’s performance graph shows a fluctuating trend, with their position in the league table reflecting their inconsistent form.
Monza’s Season So Far
Monza has had a respectable season, finishing 12th in the 2023-24 Serie A. Andrea Colpani emerged as their top goalscorer with 8 goals, while Matteo Pessina and Milan Đurić contributed 6 and 4 goals respectively. The team’s biggest win of the season was a 3-0 victory over Salernitana on October 8, 2023. However, they also suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against Inter Milan on January 13, 2024. Monza’s pre-season included friendly matches, notably a 2-2 draw against Premier League side Everton and participation in the inaugural Trofeo Silvio Berlusconi against AC Milan.
Injury Updates and Suspensions
Both teams have several players dealing with injuries or suspensions. For Empoli, Zurkowski is unavailable due to ankle surgery, while Walukiewicz has been managing an unspecified muscular injury. Ebuehi is in the final stages of rehab following an ACL rupture, with a potential return after the September break. Perisan underwent surgery for a torn ligament in his right ankle. On a positive note, M’Baye Niang has been a bright spot for Empoli, leading the team with 6 goals this season.
Monza will be without Christian Pulisic for their upcoming match due to an ankle knock. However, this exclusion is precautionary, and he is expected to be available for the first league match against Torino. The team will need to adjust their tactics accordingly, relying on other key players to fill the void left by Pulisic’s absence.
Tactical Preview
Expected Formations
Empoli and Monza are likely to adopt contrasting tactical approaches in this crucial Serie A encounter. Empoli, under new management, may opt for a balanced 4-3-3 formation, focusing on possession and quick ball movement. Monza, on the other hand, could employ a more defensive 3-5-2 setup, aiming to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.
Key Player Matchups
The battle between Empoli’s Francesco Caputo and Monza’s Milan Djuric promises to be intriguing. Caputo, with 186 career goals and an impressive 0.43 goals per 90 minutes, will lead Empoli’s attack. Djuric, averaging 0.25 goals per 90 minutes, will spearhead Monza’s offensive efforts.
In midfield, Empoli’s new signing Szymon Zurkowski could play a pivotal role, having already scored on his second debut for the club. For Monza, Andrea Colpani, their top scorer this season with 8 goals, will be crucial in creating chances.
The goalkeeping duel between Devis Vasquez for Empoli and Alessandro Sorrentino for Monza will be critical. Vasquez boasts a 71.4% save percentage and 1.32 goals against per 90 minutes, while Sorrentino has faced challenges with a 62.5% save percentage and 2.63 goals conceded per 90 minutes.
Managers’ Strategies
Empoli’s new manager, Davide Nicola, faces an immediate challenge in his debut. Known for his ability to save teams from relegation, Nicola will likely focus on solidifying Empoli’s defense while addressing their goal-scoring issues. With key attackers like Baldanzi, Caputo, and Destro doubtful due to injuries, Nicola may rely on Nicolo Cambiaghi to lead the attack, despite his struggles in front of goal this season.
Monza’s Raffaele Palladino will aim to bounce back from their recent 5-1 defeat against Inter Milan. His strategy may involve tightening their defense, particularly in the opening minutes, as Monza has conceded the most goals in the first 15 minutes across Europe’s top five leagues. Palladino might opt to start Pablo Mari in defense to bolster their backline.
Both managers will need to adapt their tactics considering the injury situations and recent form. The match promises to be a tactical chess match, with Empoli seeking to capitalize on their home advantage and Monza aiming to secure back-to-back away wins for only the third time since their promotion in 2022.
Conclusion
The upcoming match between Empoli and Monza has the potential to be a game-changer in Serie A. With both teams showing similar performance levels in their head-to-head encounters, the outcome remains unpredictable. The tactical approaches of both managers, considering recent form and injury concerns, will play a crucial role in determining the result.
As the teams prepare to face off, fans can look forward to an exciting clash of strategies and individual talents. The performance of key players like Caputo for Empoli and Colpani for Monza could tip the scales in their team’s favor. Ultimately, this match offers both sides a chance to improve their standing in the league and build momentum for the rest of the season.