Empoli-Venezia: Crucial Challenge for Salvation at Carlo Castellani

by Simone Cioni

The same 24 points, with the same number of wins (4) and draws (12). Empoli e Venice they arrive at the direct clash next Sunday tied, but with diametrically opposed morale. The lagoon team, in fact, have recovered 10 points from the Azzurri in the last four months and arrive at the challenge next Sunday at Carlo Castellani-Computer Gross Arena, with a renewed defensive solidity. While it is true that with 25 goals even the team of the former Di Francesco does not have such a prolific attack (just one goal more than Empoli), in the last seven games they have conceded just three goals, keeping their goal intact even against opponents of the caliber of Napoli, Atalanta and Lazio. Also thanks to goalkeeper Radu, who arrived in January to replace the injured Stankovic, who also did very well in the first leg against Empoli, capable of several decisive saves each game. The best Empoli will therefore be needed to try to break down the defensive organization of this Venezia. Empoli who in the first leg was still able to put the lagoon team in serious difficulty, recovering from the initial unfortunate injury of Vasquez (a throw-in on Pohjanpalo that was worth the home team's lead) and also wasting several opportunities to take home the entire stake, without conceding anything more to the opponents.

The draw on January 4th was also one of only five draws obtained by D'Aversa's team in the last seventeen games. Despite all the difficulties, however, Empoli has a great opportunity to give a boost to this final rush. Beating Venezia, in fact, would not only mean pushing back their direct rivals, but also putting pressure on Parma and Cagliari, who the day after Easter Monday will host Fiorentina and Juventus respectively, two matches that on paper are very complicated. If Lecce does not beat Como on Easter Eve, then the three points against Venezia could also mean they will catch up with the Salento team. Above and beyond everything, however, the main thing is that captain Grassi and his teammates take to the field with the same attitude seen in Naples and, in truth, also in many other games this season, with the anger and sporting 'nastiness' in both phases of the game that must distinguish those who have the goal of salvation.

While we wait for good news from the infirmary (see the conditions of Solbakken, Ismajli and Anjorin), it is still too early to speculate on the lineup that will take to the field from the start on Sunday, but at the moment it is conceivable that there will not be many changes compared to the eleven that started last Monday at the Maradona in Naples.