Napoli vs Empoli

Napoli return to the Stadio San Paolo to host Empoli in a Serie A match where both sides are in desperate need of points. Napoli’s recent dry spell in terms of points has seen them fall back to the pack in the middle of the league table, while Empoli are currently in the relegation zone and every remaining match is a final for them.

Napoli were beaten on the road in week 22 on their visit to Sampdoria by a score of 2-0 as the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. It was a very complicated match for the partenopei as they were missing 6 starters either through suspension or injury. That result drops Reja’s side to 11^th place in the league table with 27 points. They find themselves 1 point back of 10^th place Palermo and 3 ahead of 12^th place Torino. They have just 1 win from their last 6 matches. Things are a bit more manageable on the injury front this week with only Iezzo, Cupi and Garics ruled out while Contini is suspended. The good news is that Blasi returns to the midfield and Reja is going to shake things up a bit with 3 strikers in a 4-3-3 set. The clubs two leading scorers- Lavezzi and Zalayeta will be joined by Mannini who will operate on the right win.

Empoli come into this contest in 18^th place of the league table with 19 points. They are 1 point behind 17^th place Parma and 1 point ahead of 19^th place Reggina. If the season were to end this way they would be making the drop to Serie B. The club picked up a huge victory at home last week by defeating SS Lazio 1-0 at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. That win represents their only victory over their last 5 matches to go along with 1 draws and 3 losses. This week manager Malesani is missing just one play through injury in Mchedlidze while Vannucchi will sit out suspended. Top scorer Pozzi will be the lone striker in a 4-4-1-1.

This contest will be a real test of character for Napoli. If they are going to make a run at a European cup qualifying spot they must take care of business at home. Empoli have managed just 1 win to go with 2 draws and 8 losses away from home. Napoli cannot let this opportunity slip away and should get the points this week.

Prediction: Napoli (2-1)