Atalanta Hosts Empoli in Serie A Showdown as Empoli Struggles Amid Relegation Battle
Nov, 9 2025
On Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 17:00 UTC, Empoli Football Club will host Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio at Stadio Carlo Castellani — also known as Computer Gross Arena — in Empoli, Tuscany, in what could be one of the most lopsided fixtures of Serie A’s 2024–25 season. With Atalanta riding a five-match winning streak against Empoli and boasting a 60% win rate this season, the odds are stacked against the home side, who’ve lost eight of their last ten league games. Referee Maurizio Mariani will oversee the clash, but even his experience may not be enough to balance the gulf in form.
Empoli’s Descent Into Crisis
It’s hard to overstate how far Empoli has fallen. After a promising start to the season, they’ve collapsed into a tailspin, managing just two home wins in 38 league matches this campaign. Their defense has been porous, conceding 19 goals in their last ten games. The team’s struggles are compounded by injuries: key midfielders and defenders have been sidelined for weeks, forcing head coach Roberto D’Aversa to piece together a makeshift lineup. The latest humiliation came against Che Adams, whose audacious half-field lob over goalkeeper Devis Vasquez became an instant viral moment — and a symbol of Empoli’s unraveling.
Statistically, the numbers are brutal. Empoli has averaged just 0.86 goals per match against Atalanta across 22 previous meetings. In their last four clashes, Atalanta has scored nine goals and conceded just one. Forebet notes that four of Empoli’s last six matches saw over 2.5 goals — but those goals almost always went the other way.
Atalanta’s Offensive Machine
Meanwhile, Atalanta is firing on all cylinders. Under the relentless guidance of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, they’ve won 13 away games this season — the most in Serie A. Their attack is lethal: Argentine forward Mateo Germán Retegui leads the league with 20 goals, while Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has returned from injury with a vengeance, adding pace and unpredictability. Atalanta has scored two or more goals in six of their last ten away matches. And in their last 23 home games? They’ve drawn just once — and haven’t drawn at home since April.
Their 3-4-1-2 formation, with Lookman as the creative hub between midfield and the lethal duo of Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere, has been nearly impossible to stop. Even after their Champions League exit, Gasperini’s men have channeled their frustration into league dominance. As SportyTrader put it: “They’re not just seeking redemption — they’re on a mission.”
Lineups and Tactical Battle
Empoli’s projected 3-5-2 formation — with De Sciglio, Goglichidze, and Pezzella anchoring a shaky backline — looks like a defensive gamble. Midfielders like Nedim Bajrami and Amadou Onana will need to be flawless to shield the defense, but their recent performances suggest they’re running on fumes. Forward pair Francesco Esposito and Matteo Colombo have combined for just three league goals this season.
Atalanta’s lineup, by contrast, reads like a who’s who of Serie A talent. With Marco Carnesecchi in goal, and the physical presence of Hans Hateboer and Merih Demiral in defense, they’re built to withstand counterattacks. Midfielders Marten de Roon and Ederson will dominate possession, while Lookman’s return gives them a spark they’ve missed. The only question: can Empoli even get the ball off them?
What’s at Stake
For Atalanta, a win puts them within three points of league leaders Inter. With the Champions League spot still in reach, this isn’t just about pride — it’s about securing European football next season. For Empoli, it’s survival. They’re currently two points above the relegation zone, but with five of their next six matches away from home, every point matters. A loss here could be the final nail in the coffin of their top-flight hopes.
And yet — and this is the twist — Empoli has shown grit on the road. Their 12 points from eight away games are better than most teams expect. But facing Atalanta? That’s a different beast. The last time Empoli beat Atalanta was in 2020. Since then, it’s been one-sided, relentless, and brutal.
What Happens Next?
Bookmakers are unanimous: Atalanta to win. Forebet predicts 0-3. VOI says 0-2. Sports Mole forecasts 2-0. Even the most optimistic Empoli fan would struggle to pick a draw. The real story isn’t the scoreline — it’s the momentum. If Atalanta wins, they’ll be a serious title contender. If Empoli somehow scrapes a point? That would be the biggest upset of the season.
One thing’s certain: Sunday won’t just be about goals. It’ll be about dignity. For Empoli, it’s about proving they still belong. For Atalanta, it’s about proving they’re ready for the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Atalanta so dominant over Empoli in recent years?
Atalanta’s tactical discipline under Gian Piero Gasperini, combined with superior attacking depth, has overwhelmed Empoli’s defensive limitations. In their last five meetings, Atalanta has scored 12 goals and conceded just one. Their high-pressing system exploits Empoli’s slow transitions, while Retegui and Lookman consistently exploit space behind Empoli’s full-backs.
How has Empoli’s injury crisis affected their performance?
Empoli has lost six key players to long-term injuries, including their starting center-back and primary playmaker. This has forced Roberto D’Aversa to use untested youth and out-of-position veterans, leading to defensive disorganization. Their win rate dropped from 40% in the first half of the season to just 12% in the last ten matches.
What does this match mean for Atalanta’s Champions League hopes?
A win would move Atalanta within three points of Inter Milan, keeping them firmly in the top four race. With Juventus and Napoli also in contention, every point is critical. Atalanta’s away form — 13 wins this season — gives them the edge in the final stretch, especially if they can maintain their scoring rate.
Is Empoli still in danger of relegation?
Yes. With 31 points from 38 matches, Empoli sits just two points above the drop zone. Their next five fixtures include away games against Lazio, Napoli, and AC Milan — all top-half teams. Without a win this weekend, their survival chances fall below 20%, according to statistical models from SoccerPunter.
Why is Stadio Carlo Castellani called Computer Gross Arena?
Since 2023, the stadium has carried a sponsorship name from Computer Gross, an Italian tech retailer. Officially, it remains Stadio Carlo Castellani — named after the club’s former president — but most broadcasters and fans now refer to it by its commercial name. The dual naming reflects a broader trend in Italian football of corporate sponsorships overtaking traditional identities.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Atalanta, Mateo Retegui (20 goals) and Ademola Lookman (7 goals, 4 assists since return) are the main threats. For Empoli, goalkeeper Devis Vasquez must be flawless — one mistake could be fatal. Midfielder Nedim Bajrami, despite being out of position, will need to control the tempo or risk being overrun.