Empoli vs Verona

Empoli will be fighting for their Serie A survival on Sunday when they host Hellas Verona at the Stadio Carlo Castellani in the final match of the season.

The Tuscany-based side, currently 18th in the table, have given themselves a fighting chance by claiming back-to-back wins and will need a third consecutive victory to boost their chances of staying in the top flight. Their opponents, Verona, are also not entirely safe, making this a high-stakes encounter for both teams.

Empoli's late-season resurgence has been timely, with crucial wins over Parma and already-relegated Monza. The 2-1 triumph against Parma cut the gap to safety to just two points, and their most recent victory marked the first time they’ve won consecutive Serie A matches since May 2023, when they beat Bologna and Salernitana.

They’ll now aim to win three straight league games for the first time since May 2019, when they defeated Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Torino — a feat that could prove pivotal in the final standings.

Due to an inferior head-to-head record with Lecce — having drawn 1-1 away and lost 3-1 at home — Empoli must not only win against Verona, but also hope Lecce or Parma fail to win their final games against Lazio and Atalanta, respectively. A draw could still be enough, but only if Lecce lose and 19th-placed Venezia, who are two points behind Empoli, do not beat Juventus.

Verona, sitting 15th, are not entirely safe either. Just three points ahead of Empoli, they only need a draw to mathematically secure survival and extend their six-season stay in the top division.

Although the Gialloblu have not won in eight matches, recent 1-1 draws with Lecce and high-flying Como show they’re capable of grinding out results. However, their away form is concerning, with only one point earned in their last three road games since a March victory at Udinese. Narrow 1-0 defeats to Roma and Inter — both strong opponents — may offer some encouragement that they can hold their own under pressure.

All signs point to a tense showdown as both clubs look to avoid relegation on the final day of the season.