Preview: Palermo Hosts Empoli FC in Serie B Clash

ROME (Interstat) — A key Serie B matchup features Palermo hosting Empoli FC on Saturday, with the hosts looking to extend a recent run of dominant form against a visiting side seeking to reverse a concerning slide.

The game at Stadio Renzo Barbera is set for a 3 p.m. local (1400 GMT) kickoff.

Palermo (15-3-4) enters with significant momentum, coming off a 4-0 road victory over Acireale on Feb. 1. That result highlighted an attack that has scored three or more goals in four of its last six matches across all competitions. The club sits near the top of the Serie B table.

Empoli FC (10-5-7), meanwhile, is reeling from a 3-0 defeat at Carrarese on Jan. 23, its most recent outing. That loss continued an inconsistent pattern for a squad that has shown both explosive offense, including a 5-0 win over Bari in November, and troubling vulnerabilities.

The head-to-head history heavily favors Palermo. In their most recent meeting on Dec. 7, Palermo secured a convincing 3-1 victory at Empoli’s Stadio Carlo Castellani.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the trend is projected to continue with a 2-1 victory for Palermo.

For Empoli, midfielder Rade Krunic remains the creative engine, while striker Francesco Caputo provides veteran leadership in attack. Palermo’s threat is more diffuse, with Lorenzo Lucca and Matteo Brunori both in strong scoring form recently.

Empoli manager Aurelio Andreazzoli will demand a response from his squad after the Carrarese defeat, emphasizing defensive solidity to counter Palermo’s fluid attack. Palermo’s Michele Mignani will likely urge his team to press high and exploit Empoli’s recent defensive lapses.

A win for Palermo would solidify its standing among the promotion contenders. For Empoli, securing a positive result is critical to stabilizing its campaign and keeping pace in the playoff race.

Following this match, Empoli faces a quick turnaround, hosting Juve Stabia on Wednesday in Serie B. Palermo is scheduled to host Milazzo in a cup fixture on Sunday.