Both Empoli and Genoa, having been defeated by Serie A title challengers just before Christmas, will face off in their final match of 2024.
Despite taking an early lead against Atalanta in Bergamo, with Lorenzo Colombo scoring from close range, Empoli were eventually defeated 3-2 by La Dea, who secured their 10th consecutive league victory. Charles De Ketelaere's late goal denied Empoli a point, meaning they finished just outside the top half of the table at Christmas.
Currently in 11th place with 19 points, Empoli have surpassed expectations this season, though they could have achieved even more. If games ended at halftime, they would be in fifth place with 27 points. However, when considering just the second half of matches, they would be joint-bottom with only 13 points, level with struggling Venezia.
On the other hand, Genoa will need to break a longstanding trend if they are to win in Tuscany, as they have triumphed in just one of their last 15 Serie A fixtures played at the end of the year. Patrick Vieira's squad will be eager to change that record on Saturday afternoon.
In their previous match, Genoa lost 2-1 to Napoli but impressed by narrowing the gap after Andrea Pinamonti’s second-half goal, while substitute Mario Balotelli hit the post. Despite the loss, Genoa remain just outside the relegation zone, thanks to Vieira's solid start, which included an unbeaten run in his first four games, with three clean sheets. Genoa head to Empoli on a three-match away streak without conceding, having kept shutouts against Parma, Udinese, and AC Milan.
Prediction:Genoa
Empoli vs Genoa stream and TV listing
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