Empoli – Inter Milan: After a gripping Derby d’Italia ending in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Juventus, Inter Milan looks to bounce back as they face Empoli at Stadio Castellani on Wednesday. With the reigning Serie A champions holding second place in the standings, the Nerazzurri are determined to secure a win to keep pressure on league leaders Napoli. Empoli, meanwhile, enters the game following a 1-1 draw with Parma, aiming to break a winless streak that has left them mid-table.

Empoli vs Inter Milan Match Analysis

In Sunday’s eight-goal classic, Inter Milan showcased resilience and attacking prowess, netting four times against a Juventus defense previously conceding only one league goal all season. Inter initially led 3-2, with Piotr Zielinski converting two penalties and Denzel Dumfries adding a fourth. However, they faltered in the second half, as Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz scored twice to level the game.

Simone Inzaghi’s side is now unbeaten in six Serie A games and has lost only once in twelve matches this season. With a solid Champions League campaign, including a 1-0 win over Young Boys, Inter Milan is primed to secure a win over Empoli and maintain momentum in the title race.

Empoli’s Steady Season So Far

Empoli head coach Roberto D’Aversa has achieved mixed results since taking over, leading his team to impressive wins in the Coppa Italia but facing back-to-back league defeats against Napoli and Lazio. Empoli’s recent form includes a narrow 1-1 draw against Serie B champions Parma, where they defended a late equalizer and dodged a last-minute penalty. The Azzurri, sitting in the middle of the Serie A standings, are underdogs, having lost 13 of their last 14 encounters with Inter Milan.

Team News and Possible Lineups

Inter’s star midfielder Piotr Zielinski may miss Wednesday’s clash due to thigh flexor fatigue sustained against Juventus. Coach Inzaghi also has concerns over Hakan Calhanoglu’s availability, while Brazilian wing-back Carlos Augusto and veteran defender Francesco Acerbi remain sidelined. Inzaghi might rotate his squad, giving Yann Bisseck, Mehdi Taremi, and Davide Frattesi an opportunity to start.

Empoli will be without key players Samuele Perisan and Tyronne Ebuehi due to injury, and Inter loanee Sebastiano Esposito may also miss the game with a lingering thigh strain.