Ascoli – Empoli

Ascoli head into the clash on home soil perched in fifth place with ten points from three wins, a draw and a single loss, boasting a healthy +3 goal difference after scoring seven and conceding four. Their opponents, Empoli, sit in the lower half of the table at twelfth, having gathered six points from two victories and three defeats, their defensive frailties evident in a –2 goal margin, having netted four while letting in six. The gap between the two sides is modest in points but stark in form, as Ascoli have remained unbeaten in their last five outings compared with Empoli’s three-game losing streak. A win for the hosts would cement their push for a top‑four finish, while Empoli will be desperate to close the gap and revive their season before the winter break.