Opposition Watch: Empoli

THE STORY SO FAR

Empoli currently sit in 16th place in the Serie A standings, just a point off the drop zone. The Tuscan outfit have seen two changes in the dugout in their first Serie A campaign since promotion from Serie B in the summer, with the man who guided them to the top flight, Aurelio Andreazzoli parting company with the club on matchday 11, after conceding five goals in a 5-1 loss away at Napoli.

Former Palermo coach, Beppe Iachini was brought in, and although performances picked up, their defeat away to Roma proved costly and the Azzurri changed coaches once more, this time reinstating Andreazzoli, and the coach made an immediate impact on his return, as Empoli earned a vital 2-1 win over Frosinone last time out.

POSITIVES

Earlier in the season Empoli managed to put together a decent four-match unbeaten streak, scoring nine goals in the process. Back on matchday 12 they beat Udinese 2-1 at home, before following up with a 3-2 win, once again at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, this time over Atalanta. A 2-2 draw away at SPAL followed, with another home win coming the week after in a 2-1 win against Bologna.

Their most recent high point apart from last time out vs Frosinone, was their home game against Sassuolo where Empoli won by their biggest margin this season, racking up a 3-0 win.

NEGATIVES

There's been some tough moments for the Tuscans this season, as the side have adjusted to life back in Italy's top league. After an impressive opening day start, beating Cagliari 2-0 at home, Empoli went 10 matches without a win, not seeing another success since matchday 12 when they hosted Udinese, having just appointed Iachini.

Following a four-match win streak, Empoli then again ran into some difficulties, going this time on eight games without victory, also losing their next four in a row.

STAR MAN

Midfielder, Hamed Junior Traoré has been a shining light for Empoli this season. The Ivorian, on-loan from Fiorentina has been a real breakthrough, playing in a range of different roles in Empoli's engine room. The 19-year old has a wealth of technical and physical ability at his disposal, which he is capable of using to devastating effect.

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