Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
As part of the 21st round of Italy's Serie A, Inter will face Empoli. The match is scheduled to take place in Milan on Sunday, January 19, with kick-off at 20:45 CET. Here's my prediction for the winner of this game.
Match Preview
Inter is the most prolific team in Serie A, scoring 48 goals halfway through the season. While the "Nerazzurri" remain an attacking powerhouse, their overall performance has not been as dominant as last year.
A draw against Bologna in their last match cost Simone Inzaghi's team the chance to overtake Napoli at the top of the table. Even if Inter wins their rescheduled match against Fiorentina, they can only tie with their rival on points.
Empoli, on the other hand, struggles to find the net, averaging less than one goal per game. However, their defensive organization can be considered decent. The team is unlikely to avoid their usual relegation battle, as they currently sit 14th in the standings.
With just a two-point cushion from the relegation zone and a poor recent form—earning only one point from their last five matches—Empoli's concerns are growing.
Match Facts
- Inter has scored in each of their last eight games.
- Empoli has conceded in their last ten games.
- Inter averages two goals per game at home, while Empoli averages 1.8 goals per game away.
Probable Lineups
- Inter: Sommer, Bastoni, De Vrij, Darmian, Dimarco, Dumfries, Zielinski, Asllani, Barella, Thuram, Martinez.
- Empoli: Vasquez, Viti, Ismajli, Goglichidze, Pezzella, Maleh, Grassi, Gyasi, Cacace, Esposito, Colombo.
Head-to-Head
Inter has won their last four matches against Empoli with a combined score of 9:0.
Prediction
There is little doubt about Inter's victory. I expect this match to be straightforward for them and will bet on the home side to win with a handicap of -1.5 goals.
