- Mantova form: Mantova have won 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions, including their last two games.
- Empoli form: Empoli have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 2 of their last 5 games.
- Head-to-head: The last Serie B head-to-head 5 months ago was a 2-2 draw at Empoli and Mantova have failed to beat the Azzurri in their last 2 meetings.
Mantova march on with manic 3-4-2-1
Stadio Danilo Martelli will be rocking on Sunday with Francesco Modesto's Mantova in full flight. The Biancorossi are 3rd in Serie B 2026/2027 after 1 match with 3 points and Empoli are 7th with 3 points from 1 match. Modesto, who took over on 16 December 2025, has inspired a high-energy, vertical 3-4-2-1/3-4-3 with a focus on relentless pressing and fluid transitions.
Mantova have won 4 of their last 5 competitive games, with the exception of the 5-0 loss at Frosinone in Serie B 2025/2026.
Empoli’s organised 3-5-2 looks promising
Coach and tactics
Guido Pagliuca took over Empoli on 6 July 2026 and has leaned into a controlled 3-5-2 with a structured build-up, wing-back width and a more balanced defensive block.
Form and results
Empoli's recent results show they have the steel to grind out wins, but also the wastefulness to slip up. Empoli's last 3 games were a 2-2 Serie B draw at Monza, a 1-1 Coppa Italia draw at Pisa before a penalty shootout exit, and a 1-0 Serie B win at home to Cremonese yesterday. Empoli have 0 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats from their last 3 away matches.
Mantova to make Empoli work hard for a result
Tactical matchup
Mantova's manic style of play should make for an exciting contest against Empoli's controlled approach, with Mantova's re-press and direct breaks, against Empoli circulating and building up. Mantova's home record in Serie B 2026/2027 stands at 1 win from 1 match.
- Francesco Ruocco leads the scoring charts with 1 goal in Serie B 2026/2027 and Alessio Castellini has already provided 1 assist to keep the attack ticking over.
- Stiven Shpendi has 1 goal in Serie B 2026/2027 and has scored 3 goals in his last 5 matches, while Cristian Cauz has added 1 assist to guide the team's tempo.
Odds and prediction
Mantova are favorites at 2.12, Empoli are 3.3 and the draw is 3.4. I think Mantova should have the edge in this clash as Empoli have not won any of their last 3 Serie B away games, but they are certainly capable of earning a draw against the 3-4-2-1 hosts. Under 2.5 goals and Both Teams To Score – No both appeal at 1.7 and 1.83, respectively, given this should be a tight game.
