Empoli and Lecce Face Off in Crucial Serie A Relegation Battle

Empoli and Lecce will clash in a pivotal Serie A match on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Stadio Carlo Castellani in Empoli, Italy. The game, set to kick off at 3:00 PM local time, marks the 20th matchday of the season, with both teams fighting to avoid relegation. Empoli, currently 12th in the standings with 20 points, will look to capitalize on their home advantage against 18th-placed Lecce, who have struggled on the road this season.

Empoli enters the match after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Venezia, snapping a three-game losing streak. The Azzurri have been inconsistent at home, securing just one win in nine matches at the Carlo Castellani Stadium. However, their head-to-head record against Lecce offers hope, with three wins in their last five home encounters against the Salentians.

Lecce, on the other hand, has been in dire form, particularly away from home. The Giallorossi have managed only four points from nine away matches, scoring just two goals in the process. Their recent goalless draw against Genoa highlighted their offensive struggles, which have left them rooted in the relegation zone.

Empoli manager Roberto D'Aversa will rely on striker Nicolò Colombo to break his two-game goal drought, while Lecce’s Marco Giampaolo faces challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries. The visitors will miss midfielder Youssef Maleh and defender Kastriot Dermaku, while Empoli’s Tommaso Baldanzi remains out with a shoulder injury.

Historically, matches between these two sides have been tightly contested, with three of their last five meetings ending in draws. Empoli’s slight edge in form and home advantage makes them slight favorites, but Lecce’s desperation for points could make this a closely fought encounter.

With both teams desperate to avoid relegation, this match could prove decisive in their respective campaigns. A win for Empoli would provide breathing room in the mid-table, while Lecce needs a positive result to climb out of the drop zone.