Mantova 1911's Struggles
Mantova 1911 is currently enduring a challenging phase in Serie B, having lost their last three matches. Their position in the league has slipped from 12th last year to 18th this season, with only 14 points to their name. This decline is concerning, especially as they prepare to face Empoli FC, a team that has historically been a tough opponent for them. Mantova's recent form is a stark contrast to the vibrant cultural and infrastructural developments happening in their city, which is gearing up for a dynamic year filled with events and upgrades.
Empoli FC's Resilience
Empoli FC, on the other hand, is navigating a tricky period in Serie A, sitting at 15th place. Despite their struggles, they managed a 1-1 draw against Bologna, a team vying for European qualification. This result highlights Empoli's ability to compete against stronger teams, even amidst injury woes. Coach Roberto DAversa remains optimistic, focusing on the promising performances of players like Sebastiano Esposito, who has netted 10 goals this season. Empoli's away form, however, has been inconsistent, with a record of 2 wins and 5 losses.
Head-to-Head Dynamics
Historically, matches between Mantova 1911 and Empoli FC have been closely contested, with the most common result being a 1-1 draw. However, Empoli has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning their last meeting by four goals. Mantova has struggled to score against Empoli, averaging only 0.75 goals per match, while Empoli averages 1.75 goals against them. This trend suggests that Empoli might have the edge in the upcoming match.
Prediction and Key Factors
Given the current form and historical data, Empoli FC is likely to come out on top in this encounter. Mantova's inability to secure wins against Empoli in their last four meetings, coupled with their recent losing streak, points to a challenging match ahead. Empoli's scoring ability, particularly in the latter stages of matches, could prove decisive. Both teams have shown a tendency to score in their encounters, making it likely that both will find the net. Therefore, the prediction leans towards an away win for Empoli FC, with both teams scoring.