OUR man in Italy, Marco Di Cosmo (@scioltz) looks to continue his hot streak in Serie A with his best Saturday selection.
Empoli v Lazio | Saturday 19:45 | BT Sport
Empoli’s dodgy performances have managed to grant this team a safe place in the league, relying on the weaknesses of their direct opponents, with Palermo eight points behind them.
The Tuscan side have the worst attacking record in the league, with a ridiculous number of 14 goals scored, something really frustrating for a Serie A side, especially if you consider that four of these goals were scored in a single game against Pescara.
Reliance on defence
Nevertheless, this team are managing to avoid the relegation zone, mainly relying on a defensive mind-set that have allowed the lowest number of goals among the bottom-nine sides of the league.
If it is true that Empoli seem to keep up with this attitude, the offensive efficiency is always costly them, as the team have failed to find the net in 62% of their league games.
Add to this the loss of Riccardo Saponara, probably the best player of the team, and you might expect this trend to continue against Lazio, which are clearly on another level.
Visitors too good to ignore
The Biancocelesti have improved a lot in the defensive end this season, with the return of Dutch international Stephen De Vrij. Their offensive solutions have never been a problem with the excellent quality of their strikers.
Back Lazio to come back with the three points here at 7/10 (Marathon).
Best Bets
Empoli v Lazio – Lazio to win (7/10 Marathon)
