Napoli vs Empoli

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Following a challenging commencement to the season, Napoli, set to face Empoli this weekend, has successfully stabilized and caught up with the leading teams in Serie A. At the current moment, they hold the fourth position in the standings, amassing 21 points, trailing the league leaders, Inter Milan, by seven points.

In the previous week, Napoli secured a routine 2-0 triumph in Salerno but failed to sustain momentum, settling for a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin in the midweek Champions League fixture. Confronting another struggling team in danger of relegation provides Napoli with an opportunity to secure a convincing victory in the league, furthering their aspirations for a title charge.

In their recent home league match, Napoli demonstrated an impressive second-half comeback, earning a 2-2 draw against AC Milan. However, anything less than a three-point result against Empoli would be considered a letdown.

Contrastingly, Empoli, after finishing in mid-table during the previous two seasons, is undergoing a nightmarish 2023/24 campaign. Currently, they have accumulated a mere seven points, trailing Cagliari by two points, who are just above the relegation zone in 17th place.

Aurelio Andreazzoli's team appeared to be on the brink of a positive turnaround after a commendable 2-0 victory against Fiorentina post the October international break. Nevertheless, they have swiftly descended into turmoil with consecutive losses to Atalanta and Frosinone.

Their performance in the recent defeat to Frosinone portrayed them as clearly inferior. Additionally, they were previously eliminated from the Coppa Italia by second-tier side Cittadella, intensifying their desperation for points as they approach this upcoming encounter.

Amidst managerial uncertainties, lackluster on-field performances, and peculiar TikTok controversies, life at Napoli has been far from ideal for the recently appointed head coach, Rudi Garcia. However, there seems to be a positive shift in fortunes for the reigning Serie A champions based on recent match outcomes.

Heading into Wednesday's game, Napoli faces a minor setback with only one injury concern, albeit a significant one. Victor Osimhen, the Capocannoniere winner, is on the path to recovery from a hamstring problem and won't be making an immediate return. Stepping into his shoes, Giacomo Raspadori aims to continue his goal-scoring streak for the third consecutive Serie A match, joining Matteo Politano and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the attacking third.

The experienced center-back, Amir Rrahmani, will be unavailable for Rudi Garcia's team as he's been called up by the Kosovo national team for a Euro 2024 qualifier against Israel, rescheduled for this weekend. On a positive note, Brazilian defender Natan is back after serving a one-game domestic suspension and is poised to partner with Leo Ostigard in the defensive lineup.

In the midfield, there's a potential change with Elif Elmas stepping in as the left-sided midfielder in lieu of Piotr Zielinski. Stanislav Lobotka is expected to continue in the anchor role, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa remains a formidable presence in the midfield engine room.

Amidst managerial uncertainties, lackluster on-field performances, and peculiar TikTok controversies, life at Napoli has been far from ideal for the recently appointed head coach, Rudi Garcia. However, there seems to be a positive shift in fortunes for the reigning Serie A champions based on recent match outcomes.

Heading into Wednesday's game, Napoli faces a minor setback with only one injury concern, albeit a significant one. Victor Osimhen, the Capocannoniere winner, is on the path to recovery from a hamstring problem and won't be making an immediate return. Stepping into his shoes, Giacomo Raspadori aims to continue his goal-scoring streak for the third consecutive Serie A match, joining Matteo Politano and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the attacking third.

The experienced center-back, Amir Rrahmani, will be unavailable for Rudi Garcia's team as he's been called up by the Kosovo national team for a Euro 2024 qualifier against Israel, rescheduled for this weekend. On a positive note, Brazilian defender Natan is back after serving a one-game domestic suspension and is poised to partner with Leo Ostigard in the defensive lineup.

In the midfield, there's a potential change with Elif Elmas stepping in as the left-sided midfielder in lieu of Piotr Zielinski. Stanislav Lobotka is expected to continue in the anchor role, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa remains a formidable presence in the midfield engine room.