This season has been a rollercoaster ride for Lazio, but the recent appointment of Igor Tudor as their new coach has breathed new life into the club. Despite a rocky start, Tudor has managed to guide the team to four victories in his first six games in charge, with a draw and a loss to his name as well. This impressive run of form has propelled Lazio back into the European qualification places in Serie A and even within reach of a coveted UEFA Champions League spot, although it remains a long shot at this stage.
One notable highlight of Tudor’s tenure so far is Lazio’s impressive home form. The team has won their last three Serie A home games, and with a victory in their upcoming match, they could achieve a four-game winning streak at Stadio Olimpico for the first time since November 2021. Such a feat would also put Tudor on par with the records set by Delio Rossi in 2005 and Alfredo Monza in 1958, making him the coach with the best home start in the post-war era for Lazio.
Empoli’s Struggles and Lazio’s Advantage
Lazio’s upcoming opponents, Empoli, have been experiencing a difficult run of form themselves. The visitors have failed to score in seven of their last nine Serie A matches, making them one of the least prolific teams across Europe’s top five leagues during this period. This lack of goals has put Empoli at risk of relegation, as they currently sit just two points above the relegation zone heading into the final stretch of the season.
Davide Nicola’s side has suffered six defeats in their last nine matches, with only two wins and a draw to their name. With Udinese, the team directly below them in the standings, waiting in the next round, Empoli’s situation is precarious. To make matters worse, Empoli has never managed to secure a victory away against Lazio in Serie A, with only four draws and nine losses to their name.
Key Players and Interesting Statistics
As the match approaches, there are a few players to keep an eye on. Matías Vecino, who has scored five goals for Lazio this season, has been particularly effective in the second half of games, with four of his goals coming in that period. His late strike in the previous match against Monza showcased his ability to make an impact when it matters most.
On the other side, Empoli’s loanee Youssef Maleh has been a key figure for the team, but his aggressive style of play has resulted in an average of two fouls per game and 11 yellow cards so far this season. His disciplinary record could prove to be a weakness that Lazio may exploit.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Lazio has won the last two Serie A encounters against Empoli without conceding a goal. However, they have never managed to defeat Empoli three times in a row while keeping a clean sheet. This statistic adds an intriguing element to the upcoming match, as Lazio aims to maintain their defensive dominance over their opponents.
In conclusion, Lazio’s resurgence under Igor Tudor has injected new hope into the club’s season. With a strong home record and Empoli’s struggles in front of goal, Lazio has the advantage heading into this crucial match. However, football is full of surprises, and Empoli will be eager to break their winless streak against Lazio. As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on the key players and the intriguing statistics that could shape the outcome of this encounter.
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