Empoli vs Lazio: Lazio begin their Serie A 2021-22 season with an away trip to face newly promoted side, Empoli on Sunday, as they eye a confident start.
Match Details:
Teams: Empoli vs Lazio
Venue: Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli
Date: Sunday 22nd August, 2021
Time: 12:15 AM IST
Live Link: https://www.sslazio.it/it/
⚽ MATCHDAY
🆚 @OfficialSSLazio
🏟 Stadio Carlo Castellani
🕑 Ore 20.45
🏆 @SerieA
📺 @DAZN_IT – @SkySport#EmpoliLazio #SerieA#ForzAzzurro #AvantiAzzurro#Empolifc1920 #EmpoliFC #EmpoliFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/MS1pUj70BY— Empoli Fc Official (@EmpoliCalcio) August 21, 2021
Preview
Lazio aim to begin their season on a positive note as they face Serie B winners, Empoli in their opening match on Sunday in the Serie A.
This will be Maurizio Sarri’s first official Serie A game in charge of Lazio as he takes over as club manager.
Lazio finished 6th last season and secured a Europa League spot this season, as they eye further improvement once again.
Also read: All new 6 football managers that have joined Serie A in 2021, check out
They have recently signed the likes of Pedro, Anderson from Roma and West Ham respectively as they aim to bolster their squad for the new season.
Sarri’s side look well balanced and have even enjoyed a good pre-season, which makes for good reading.
On the other hand, Empoli secured promotion by winning the Serie B last season.
They will hope to ensure their stay continues in Italy’s top flight football as they return after 2 seasons to the Serie A.
Also read: Serie A 2021/22 Fixtures and Dates revealed: Serie A 2021/22| All you need to know
Empoli began their season well with a 4-2 Coppa Italia win over Vicenza Virtus last week.
Goals from Bajrami, Jaas, Mancuso and Crociata ensured victory for the Serie B champions, as they look to stamp their mark this season.
They achieved 73 points from 38 matches to secure promotion to the Serie A this season.
Both sides last met in the 2018-19 Serie A season where Lazio managed to win 1-0 with Caicedo’s first half goal being the difference.
Form Guide
Empoli: WLWWW
Lazio: WWDWD
Last Matches of both teams:
Empoli 4-2 Vicenza Virtus
Lazio 1-1 Sassuolo
Where to watch the live streaming and broadcast of Empoli vs Lazio in India?
The match can be live streamed on the club’s official website or on the Voot, JioTV App.
Link: https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/how-to-watch-serie-a-in-india-tv-live-stream-fixtures-teams/uuajd0aq4m0b181yoht1781o4
Team News
Parisi is the sole absentee for Empoli after he suffered a leg injury and will return in early October.
Sarri will not be able to avail the services of Adekanye for this one as the winger is ruled out due to a meniscus injury.
Empoli possible 11:
Vicario, Stojanovic, Ismajili, Romagnoli, Marchizza, Ricci, Stulac, Bandinelli, Bajrami, Haas and Mancuso
Lazio possible 11:
Reina, Hysaj, Acerbi, Felipe, Lazzari, Akpa-Akpro, Leiva, Milinkovic-Savic, Moro, Anderson and Immobile
Prediction: Empoli 0-2 Lazio
Both sides come into the league with good pre-season form but we expect Lazio to clinch their first points of the season with a win.
Sarri’s men have the experience and better squad at the moment. This should help them win this comfortably.
Players to watch out for: Bajrami, Hass, Immobile and Milinkovic-Savic.
