Torino host Empoli on Thursday night in Serie A as the two Italian rivals seek a move up the table. Torino go into the match in 13th place but three losses from their last five games has them moving down the table.
Empoli are coming off of a phenomenal come from behind derby win over Fiorentina at the weekend. The Azzurri scored twice late in the match to claim the win. Now, Aurelio Andreazzoli leads the Azzurri into matchday 15 seeking a second straight win.
Torino took nine points from the last 18 available in Serie A. Il Toro outscored their last six opponents 8-6. However, coach Ivan Juric watched the team fall 1-0 to Roma on matchday 14.
Empoli took 10 points from the last 18 on offer in Serie A. The Azzurri scored 11 goals while conceding 10 to opponents. Andreazzoli’s team travels well as Empoli have taken 12 points from 18 available on the road this term.
Torino have been solid at home and it is their home form that has them outside the relegation zone. Juric’s team has taken 13 points from 21 available at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin. Their last three matches at home all ended as wins.
Historically speak, Empoli have a strong head-to-head record against Torino. The Azzurri have posted a record of 5W-3D-2L against Torino over the course of the teams’ last 10 matches in all competitions.
Empoli coach Andreazzoli has just one player on the injury list ahead of the match on Thursday. Szymon Zurkowski is ruled out of the game with a back injury. While Andreazzoli has just one name on the injury list, Juric has eight and most are Torino’s key players.
Andrea Belotti is ruled out of the game with a hamstring injury. He won’t return until late December at the earliest. Ricardo Rodriguez has a hamstring injury and is a major doubt.
Captain Rolando Mandragora is a doubt due to a knee issue. In addition, Juric could be without Koffi Djidji, Stephane Singo, Simone Verdi, and Cristian Ansaldi. Torino’s injuries should play a major role in Thursday night’s result.
Empoli are coming off of a big derby win against Fiorentina. In addition, they have a good historical record versus Torino and have far fewer injuries. Thursday night’s game should finish as a win for Empoli with under 2.5 goals scored.
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