Italian Serie A
2024-09-14 - Empoli vs Juventus
A Sports Betting Pick by Cafa
Italy Serie A - Round 4
Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli, Tuscany, Italy (16,167)
Saturday, 14th September, 18:00 CET
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Empoli Team News
Empoli already had two shocking results in the opening three rounds as they first won 1-2 at Roma and then played 1-1 at Bologna. These are exceptional results that would make one believe Empoli can now do it every week. Truth is, this side is stingy and will be a problem for almost anyone in this league - except for Inter and Juventus.
The team just got stronger as Ola Solbakken and De Sciglio arrived, so it wouldn't be out of the question if this side starts performing to a mid-table level. Definitely an interesting team to keep an eye on. Ups and downs are expected but Empoli is already looking like they're ahead of other relegation candidates in terms of team quality and form.
Juventus Team News
Juventus already took Italy by storm as it's obvious Motta-ball is working in general and not only in Bologna. This side got new life and it's creating heaps of chances for Vlahovic through team movement alone. It's a joy to watch.
Juventus tightened up against Roma as they often do in derbies so it ended 0-0, and we must note that this side hasn't yet conceded a goal, having won the other two games 3-0.
Normally we'd be inclined to bet on both teams to find the net whenever Juventus is visiting, even if it's a relegation candidate, but it seems that this team is really difficult to score against so we wouldn't count on it.
Probable Lineups
Empoli (3-4-2-1): Vasquez - Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti - Gyasi, Grassi, Henderson, Maleh, Pezzella - Solbakken, Colombo. Coach D'Aversa (Sullo will be at the sidelines)
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio - Kalulu, Bremer, Gatti, Cambiaso - Douglas Luiz, Locatelli - Nico Gonzalez, Koopmeiners, Yildiz - Vlahovic. Coach Motta.
Juventus will start new signings Nico Gonzalez and Teun Koopmeiners for the first time.
The Betting Market
Juventus is a favourite at 1.71, possibly the price is so high because the bookmakers are aware by now that Empoli is a giant killer. However, do note that Empoli does its giant killing on the road mostly.
The Betting Verdict
The score in September last year was 0-2 for Juventus, plus a missed penalty kick, and Juventus was dominant with 18 shots and 2.92 xG. And that was the old Juventus, one that couldn't score.
Everyone already learned to be cautious when they see Empoli so you'd think there's a good reason to bet on them to cause an upset on a weekly basis, but this Juventus side is too much for them. They'll be inferior, they won't be able to defend against Motta-ball, they'll concede a couple and lose the game cleanly.

