Livorno vs Empoli

Livorno and Empoli clash in a match featuring two clubs that got off to very slow starts but have been improving of late. In the case of Empoli a positive result is of utmost importance for them given that they are just hanging on to their position above the pack fighting in the relegation zone.

Livorno have quietly gone about their business in climbing back up the Serie A table and are currently on an 8 match unbeaten run. The side managed by Camolese are in 14^th place of the league table with 18 points. They are just behind Parma on goal difference and just ahead of SS Lazio. If there is any knock against Livorno at this time it is that they don’t play particularly well at home with just 1 win, 4 draws and 3 losses in 8 matches. Livorno are coming off of a superb victory away from home last week by a score of 1-2 over Torino. In addition to the suspended Filippini, Bergvold and Giannichedda are both out injured. Neither player is expected to be back before late March or early April. Tavano paces the club with 8 goals.

Much like Livorno, Empoli have slowly begun to put their season back together on the strength of a 4 match unbeaten run. Their last match saw them play to a 1-1 draw against Reggina at the Stadio Carlo Castellini. The trouble for Malesani’s side has been their form away from home where they have managed just 1 wins from 9 matches to go along with 2 draws and 6 losses. They are coming off of a spirited 5-3 loss against Juve in the Coppa Italia this week which did wonders for morale despite not winning. There are 2 players unavailable for this match in Mchedlidze and Marchisio, while Guillermo Giacomazzi is suspended. It has been confirmed at this time that Luca Saudati is not well enough to start and will only be used off of the bench in the second half. Malesani will go with a 4-3-2-1 with Pozzi, the club’s top scorer, playing as the lone striker.

Livorno may very well be the best side in Italy at this time that no one knows about. The fact that they are on such a good run, coupled with Empoli’s inability to win on the road tilts this match in favor of Livorno. Look for them to extend their unbeaten run to 9 matches.

Prediction: Livorno (1-0)