Empoli and Catanzaro will face off in the Coppa Italia, with Empoli looking to start the season on a positive note after narrowly avoiding relegation in the previous Serie A campaign. The Azzurri will be led by new manager Roberto D’Aversa, who will be eager to make a mark in his first competitive fixture with the team.
Empoli managed to secure their Serie A status in dramatic fashion last season, with a last-minute goal from M’Baye Niang sealing their fate. After a tumultuous season, former manager Davide Nicola departed, making way for D’Aversa to take the reins. The team has shown promise in pre-season matches, with two wins, a draw, and a defeat under their belt.
On the other hand, Catanzaro will be looking to make an impact after missing out on promotion in the previous season’s playoffs. The team, led by new manager Fabio Caserta, has its sights set on a successful campaign in Serie B. Catanzaro will be hoping to improve on their early exit from the Coppa Italia last season and cause an upset against Empoli.
In terms of team news, Empoli will be without key players such as Szymon Zurkowski, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Samuele Perisan due to injury. However, the team will have the services of returning player Mattia Viti and loan signing Lorenzo Colombo from AC Milan. Meanwhile, Catanzaro will rely on new signing Mirko Pigliacelli in goal and striker Pietro Iemmello up front.
In terms of the predicted lineups, Empoli could field a starting XI featuring Vasquez in goal, with Caputo leading the attack. Catanzaro, on the other hand, may start with Pigliacelli in goal and Iemmello as the main striker.
Overall, the match is expected to be closely contested, with Empoli having the edge due to home advantage. A predicted scoreline of 2-1 in favor of Empoli is on the cards, but both teams will be eager to start the season on a positive note and set the tone for the matches to come.