Empoli theoretically secured Serie A survival with four games to go as they defeated Torino on the road, but the Azzurri head into the local derby hoping to edge closer to top table positions. Meanwhile, Fiorentina suffered a disappointing Europa League defeat to Sevilla, but they, nonetheless, hope to remain in the top 5 after the short trip to Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Only three teams lost fewer games than Empoli

Many believed that coach Maurizio Sarri was mad for opting to stick with the same side that secured promotion to the elite division rather than signing a plethora of seasoned Serie A players as most promoted sides do. However, his approach proved spot on as it allowed the team to hit the ground running early on, with the Azzurri quickly becoming a tough nut to crack even for league’s strongest sides. It soon became evident that Empoli would not get relegated and the Stadio Carlo Castellani outfit have been a real joy to watch this season. The Azzurri would first ensure their back line is well protected, but they also took advantage of every opportunity to hit the opposition on the break and this style of play worked like a charm. While losing to Juventus and Lazio, Empoli are unbeaten in remaining 12 games that took place from the end of January, with back to back wins over Napoli and Torino proving they are in excellent form at the moment. And with top table positions now finally within reach, the Azzurri can be trusted to give their best when facing out-of-sorts Fiorentina.

Maurizio Sarri will have important defender Lorenzo Tonelli back to the side, but Mario Rui is banned and Simone Verdi is doubtful.

Europa League title remains a dream

Having failed to mount a serious top 3 challenge in Serie A, Fiorentina hoped they might secure Champions League qualification by lifting the Europa League title, and they did fairly well until the semi-final against holders Sevilla. Viola produced a decent performance against one of Europe’s strongest home sides, but they were harshly punished for a host of missed chances and ended up suffering a 3-0 loss in the first leg. This means that the Europa League campaign is all but over for Vincenzo Montella’s side, who now need to try and secure another appearance in the competition by finishing in Serie A top 6. And while Fiorentina occupy the fifth position with four games to go, it is important to note that the likes of Sampdoria, Genoa, Inter and Torino are breathing down their necks. The team have been going through a rough patch of late, with home win over Cesena ending a four-match losing run, and with Montella widely tipped to make wholesale changes to the side that lost to Sevilla, Viola could find it hard to match in-form Empoli at Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Nenad Tomovic and Milan Badelj are major doubts, while Giuseppe Rossi and Khouma Babacar are definitely out through injury.

Verdict

Empoli are flying high at the moment and having secured Serie A survival, the Azzurri can be trusted to adopt a more positive approach than usually. Meanwhile, Fiorentina are eager to make amends for the heavy loss to Sevilla and keep their European hopes alive, meaning we should see an open game at Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Top pick: Both teams to score   1.67 (2/3) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Over 2.5 goals   1.87 (20/23) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Home win   2.80 (9/5) @ SkyBet