Empoli vs Lazio

On Sunday, Lazio will face Empoli at Stadio Castellani, with the visitors chasing a top-four spot and the hosts battling to avoid relegation.

Despite inconsistent form, Lazio remain in the hunt for a Champions League berth, while Empoli, threatened by relegation, haven’t secured a Serie A victory since December.

In their latest match, Lazio trailed Parma by two goals at Stadio Olimpico, but veteran Pedro came to the rescue with a late double to salvage a draw. The 37-year-old has scored seven goals as a substitute in Serie A this season, a tally only bettered by Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth (nine) across Europe’s top five leagues.

However, Lazio’s form has dipped, with just one win in their last 10 home games, causing them to slip out of Italy’s top four and exit the Europa League. Their points average has fallen from 1.84 to 1.67 per game, and their goal-scoring rate has dropped from 1.74 to 1.60.

Surprisingly, Marco Baroni’s side have performed better away, winning their last two road games against Atalanta BC and Genoa. With a strong record at Empoli—five consecutive wins, 10 goals scored, and three clean sheets—Lazio will be confident of keeping their European hopes alive.

Empoli, who lost 2-1 to Lazio earlier this season (with Pedro scoring a late winner), haven’t beaten them since November 2015. Their last league win against any team was late last year, and they’ve since plummeted toward Serie B.

Empoli's situation is dire but not hopeless. Their 19-game winless streak in Serie A, capped by a 2-1 loss to Fiorentina, has left them in the relegation zone with only four matches remaining. Facing Lazio, a team chasing European qualification, at home—where Empoli have managed just one win and seven goals all season—will be a tall order.

However, with games against relegation rivals Monza, Parma, and Hellas Verona still to come, and only a two-point gap to 17th-placed Lecce, Empoli have a realistic shot at survival if they can capitalize on these fixtures. Any points against Lazio would be a massive bonus, but their home form suggests a tough challenge ahead.