Sun May 04 10:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Lazio Aim for Top Four Against Relegation-Threatened Empoli

**Empoli, Italy** – A crucial Serie A clash awaits on Sunday as Lazio, fighting for a Champions League spot, face a relegation-battling Empoli at the Stadio Castellani. While Lazio’s season has cooled after a strong start, Empoli are in a desperate fight for survival, winless in their last 19 league games – their worst run in Serie A history.

Lazio, despite their recent inconsistencies and Europa League exit, remain hopeful of securing a top-four finish. Veteran striker Pedro, who has scored seven goals as a substitute this season (second only to Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth in Europe’s top five leagues), has been a key figure in their late-game surges. However, their home form has been poor, winning only one of their last ten matches.

Empoli’s struggles are stark. Their last Serie A victory came in December, and a recent Derby dell’Arno defeat to Fiorentina left them firmly in the relegation zone. With only four games remaining, they face a daunting task, especially against a Lazio side that boasts a strong away record against Empoli.

While Empoli will welcome back Reda Belahyane from suspension, they remain without several key players through injury. Lazio, meanwhile, are expected to field a strong attack led by Taty Castellanos, Boulaye Dia, and captain Mattia Zaccagni. Whether Pedro will start remains to be seen.

The match presents a stark contrast: a Lazio side with European ambitions facing an Empoli team fighting for their Serie A lives. Lazio’s late-game scoring prowess (20 goals in the final 15 minutes, the most in Serie A) is countered by Empoli’s vulnerability during the same period (16 goals conceded, the most in the league). A win for Lazio would significantly boost their Champions League hopes, while any points gained by Empoli would be a vital lifeline in their relegation battle.

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