The clash between Empoli and Virtus Entella will close the thirty-fifth round of Serie B on Sunday evening. It is a crucial fixture in the relegation battle, with both sides desperate for points to avoid slipping into the danger zone. The hosts have fallen into a prolonged crisis, while the visitors are also struggling to find consistency. With only a few matches left in the season, this encounter could prove decisive for their survival hopes.

Empoli’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Empoli enter this match sitting 15th in the Serie B standings with 37 points, just two points clear of their upcoming opponents. Their recent form has been worrying, with defeats against Sampdoria and Calcio Padova (1-0 on April 12, 2026) deepening their troubles. Over the last five matches, Empoli have recorded 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 defeats, averaging 1.4 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game. Their season record stands at 8 wins, 12 draws, and 14 losses, with an average of 1.3 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per match.

Defensively, Empoli have struggled to keep clean sheets, having conceded at least one goal in each of their last 12 Serie B matches. However, their games tend to open up after the break, as over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half of all those 12 fixtures. Playing at home could offer a slight advantage, but the pressure to deliver in front of their fans might also weigh heavily on a side that has been short on confidence and quality in recent weeks.

• Empoli rank 15th in Serie B with 37 points.


• At least one goal conceded in each of their last 12 league matches.


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half in their last 12 Serie B games.


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 2 draws, 2 defeats.

Virtus Entella’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Virtus Entella are just behind Empoli in the table, sitting 16th with 35 points. Their recent performances have been inconsistent, with a 1-1 draw against Venezia on April 11, 2026, followed by a narrow defeat to Mantova that offset the momentum gained from a convincing 3-0 win over Reggiana. Over their last five matches, the Ligurian side have managed 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 defeats, scoring an average of 1.0 goals per game while conceding 1.4.

Entella’s away form remains a concern: they have not led at half time in any of their last 15 away matches in Serie B. Their games often start cautiously, with at least one team failing to score before the break in 37 of their last 40 league fixtures. Like Empoli, Entella’s matches tend to see more action in the second half, with over 0.5 goals scored after the interval in each of their last 11 games. The visitors will likely adopt a defensive approach, aiming to frustrate their opponents and capitalize on counterattacks.

• Virtus Entella rank 16th in Serie B with 35 points.


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 defeats.


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half in their last 11 Serie B games.


• No half-time lead in their last 15 away matches.


• At least one team failed to score before half time in 37 of their last 40 matches.

Empoli vs Virtus Entella Analysis and Prediction

This fixture promises to be a tense and tactical battle rather than a spectacle. Both teams are under pressure, and fear of losing could outweigh the desire to attack. Empoli will likely take the initiative, being at home and slightly higher in the table, but their lack of creativity and defensive fragility could make it difficult to break down a compact Virtus Entella side. The visitors, meanwhile, will focus on staying organized and exploiting any mistakes on the counter.

Historically, this matchup has been balanced, with Empoli winning two of the last five meetings and Entella three. The most recent encounter ended 1-0 on November 1, 2025, confirming the trend of low-scoring games between these sides. Given their current form and statistical tendencies, another tight contest with few goals seems likely. Both teams have struggled in attack, and their recent matches suggest a cautious approach from the start.

With Empoli conceding in every recent game and Entella rarely leading at half time, the first half could be cagey, with more action expected after the break. However, the overall scoring potential remains limited, as both teams average fewer than 1.5 goals per match this season. The battle for survival could therefore produce a low-scoring draw or a narrow win decided by a single moment of quality.