Ascoli vs Empoli prediction, odds and how to watch

Arezzo won 1-0 at Empoli in Serie B thanks to a Simone Romagnoli own goal on 74 minutes, a result that will sting Empoli badly given they had reduced their opponents to ten men earlier in the match. This is exactly the sort of result that tells you everything you need to know about a side.

Empoli won 1-0 at Carrarese thanks to a Bogdan Popov header on 74 minutes, a result that flatters the visitors given Carrarese controlled large portions of the match but failed to convert their superiority into goals.

Mantova led through Edoardo Saporiti's header but Empoli scored three times in the final half-hour to claim a 3-1 away victory in a match that turned completely on its head after the break.

Empoli took all three points at home with a 1-0 win over Cremonese, courtesy of an early headed goal that stood up despite Cremonese controlling possession for long stretches. Sophie Hargreaves breaks down the tactical patterns that made this result entirely predictable if you knew where to look.

Ascoli host Empoli in Serie B on Saturday looking to build on a decent recent run, while the away side arrive having won just two of their last five. Something has to give.

Palermo arrive at Empoli on Saturday full of confidence after four straight Serie B wins, but the hosts have quietly tightened up and will not roll over. This one matters.

Modena have been genuinely difficult to beat at home this season, but Empoli travel to the Stadio Braglia having already won their opening Serie B fixture and carrying the confidence of a side with nothing to fear on the road.

Empoli have been a different team at home this season, but Arezzo come to Tuscany on Friday having already shown they can score and win on the road. This is a sharper fixture than the division table currently suggests.