Fri Dec 13 20:44:55 UTC 2024: ## Empoli Look to Extend Winning Run Against Struggling Torino

**Empoli, Italy** – Empoli, riding high after a resurgence sparked by recent Coppa Italia and Serie A victories, will aim to widen the gap between themselves and a struggling Torino side when the two teams clash at the Stadio Castellani on Friday.

Empoli’s dramatic Coppa Italia win over Fiorentina, followed by a convincing 4-1 Serie A victory against Hellas Verona, has revitalized the team. Sebastiano Esposito, who scored twice against Verona (with his brothers also netting in Serie B the same day), has emerged as a key player, bringing Empoli into the top half of the table with 19 points. A win on Friday would move them level with Bologna and AC Milan, though they would have played two more games. Their recent history against Torino is favorable, with only one loss in their last five encounters.

However, Empoli’s momentum faces a challenge. The Azzurri will be without several key players due to injuries, including top scorer Pietro Pellegri (ACL injury), Szymon Zurkowski, Tyronne Ebuehi, Saba Sazonov, Nicolas Haas, Ola Solbakken, Jacopo Fazzini, and possibly Alberto Grassi. Liam Henderson is also suspended.

Torino, meanwhile, arrives in Empoli on a worrying six-match winless streak, having scored only one goal in their last six outings. The absence of injured star striker Duvan Zapata continues to impact their attacking prowess, and their away form is particularly poor, with only one point from their last five away matches. While Ivan Ilic is back from injury, the Granata’s attacking options, Che Adams and Antonio Sanabria, have struggled for form. The return of Nikola Vlasic from the bench is also uncertain.

Despite their injury woes, Empoli’s strong defensive record will make them a tough opponent. However, their poor home form in Serie A (only one win at the Castellani this season) presents Torino with a chance to escape Tuscany with at least a point. The match promises a tight contest between a resurgent Empoli and a desperate Torino battling to avoid sliding closer to the relegation zone.

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