Cesena
Cesena have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five games (unbeaten in their last 3 home matches).
Empoli
Empoli have also won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five.
Key Players
- Cesena FC and Empoli have both been solid in Serie B 2025-2026, but their recent performances and approaches to the game differ greatly.
- Cesena sit 6th in the standings with 31 points from 18 games, seven more than Empoli who are 9th.
- Head coach Michele Mignani has built a compact, disciplined team since taking over in July 2024, with the Bianconero typically starting with a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1.
- The Bianconero set up deep blocks and counter selectively with the wingbacks providing width.
- Reappointed Empoli manager Alessio Dionisi has had the opposite effect since taking charge in October 2025, quickly implementing a more flexible, possession-based style of play.
- Empoli’s two main formations, the 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1, are based around a high-tempo game, with proactive pressing, fast forward play and overloads in attack.
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Top scorers:
- Cristian Shpendi has been Cesena’s main threat in the offensive third, with the forward bagging six goals in 18 Serie B appearances this season.
- Stiven Shpendi is Empoli’s top threat with six Serie B goals in 16 appearances.
Betting Insights
- Both of these teams are defensively solid and Cesena are at their best at home, so the Under 2.5 goals market at 1.7 looks attractive for this one.
- Empoli may have scored eight goals in their eight away games, but the 1-0 win at Mantova and 1-1 draw with Frosinone are more indicative of how this game will go.
- The bookmakers are with Cesena for this game at 2.0, with Empoli coming in at 3.85 and the draw at 3.2.
Prediction
The midfield battles and match-ups on the flanks will be key, but we think Cesena will nick a narrow victory on Saturday.
