Inter vs. Empoli – Betting Tips and Serie A Preview

Inter suffered one of the nastiest defeats of the entire season last weekend in Naples. Spaletti’s boys were demolished against Napoli, 4-1, and their Champions League ticket will depend upon the result from the final round in which they face Empoli. AC Milan is right behind them one point short and wants to reach that fourth spot. The Nerazzurri are the absolute favourites in this event, but we’ve seen them failing to meet the expectations so many times this season. The inconsistency they provide is unbelievable; having in mind all the names Spaletti has at disposal. What is constant about Inter is low efficiency. Previous seven events at Meazza all ended with under 2.5 scores. Also, only one two occasions both sides have scored, meaning that you won’t see too many goals when Inter plays in front of own fans. The pressure is on them, but so is on their rivals.

Empoli also has its mission here. The visitors are one point above the relegation zone, and they need to win to be safe. Right now, Aurelio Andreazzoli’s guys have 38 points, and Genoa, their relegation rivals, have 37 and are playing versus Fiorentina on the road. Viola doesn’t have any motives in that clash, and Genoa could easily snap all three points, meaning that Empoli needs to make a sensation and take the whole prey at Meazza. Unlike Inter, the guests’ matches are very efficient, and 4 of 5 latest games saw more than 2.5 goals. The Blues have three wins in a row, and their confidence is very high, especially after smashing Torino 4-1 in the previous round. During this victorious stretch, they scored 8 times and allowed just two goals.

Team News

Stefan De Vrij is injured, and his condition is still unclear. His thigh injury has been an issue in the past three weeks, and his absence was felt in Inter’s defeat in Naples. Sime Vrsaljko is out for the season.

Empoli is coming to Milan with the best possible team, without any injuries and suspensions.

Prediction

Our first choice regarding this matchup will be related to efficiency. The low number of goals is almost certain here. Not only because Inter prefers to play like that, but also because of the importance of the match. Neither side would like to concede an early goal and then have to chase the result afterwards. That would be lethal for that team. We all know the Italian style of play, which is slow and defensive-minded. Because of that, and Inter’s tendency to play low-scoring affairs, we are suggesting betting on under 2.5 goals. You will find the best possible odds for that at William Hill. At the moment they stand at 8/5.

For our other pick, a draw at the halftime is what we chose for you. Some of the reasons are mentioned above. For example, an ultra-defensive style of both teams in order to avoid conceding an early goal. Empoli will not have to attack until they hear that Genoa has the lead in Florence, have that on your mind. It allows the guests to have a more relaxed approach, and not to open too early, which might make this contest very dull in the opening 45 minutes. All this makes us believe that the first half is going to be without goals, which is why an HT draw is the most suitable pick here. Bet365 offers solid odds 8/5.

Source: Whoscored.com