Sampdoria – Empoli

Sampdoria host Empoli in what promises to be a pivotal clash in the lower half of the table, with the hosts languishing in 18th place on four points after a solitary win, one draw and three defeats, and a goal deficit of five to nine. Empoli sit just above the relegation zone in 12th, having amassed six points from two victories and three losses, but their own defensive frailties are evident in a 4‑6 goal difference. The two sides have already met earlier in the season, and the result will likely tip the balance in the tight mid‑table scramble, as Sampdoria will need to reverse a run of three consecutive defeats while Empoli look to build on their modest point haul and climb further away from the danger zone.