Empoli vs Juve Stabia on February 11
On February 11, 2026, Serie B will witness an intriguing clash as Empoli hosts Juve Stabia at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. With both teams vying for crucial points in the highly competitive promotion race, this match promises to be a captivating encounter. Empoli, currently sitting comfortably in the upper half of the table, will look to assert their dominance, while Juve Stabia, hovering dangerously near the relegation zone, is desperate for a positive result. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable—who will come out on top in this vital match?
Empoli: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Empoli's recent form has been solid, with the team picking up 10 points from their last 5 matches. Their play has been characterized by a balanced approach, with an emphasis on retaining possession and moving the ball quickly through the midfield. They average 62% possession, one of the highest in Serie B, and their ability to dominate the ball will be crucial in controlling this match. Empoli’s buildup play often starts from the back, with their center-backs, primarily the experienced Leo Stulac and the ball-playing Samuele Ricci, dictating the tempo of the game.
The tactical setup that coach Paolo Zanetti favors is a 4-3-1-2 formation. This system allows them to control possession in the midfield, while also maintaining defensive stability. The midfield trio of Filippo Bandinelli, Samuele Ricci, and Nicolas Haas has been particularly effective, combining hard work with creativity. They are adept at switching the ball across the field and creating overloads in wide areas. Empoli's full-backs, especially Fabiano Parisi, play a key role in their offensive transitions, frequently overlapping and providing width.
Empoli's offensive output has been impressive, scoring 11 goals in their last 5 matches. They average 2.2 xG per game, a testament to their ability to create high-quality chances. The team's focal point in attack has been the experienced Leonardo Mancuso, who has been in superb form, contributing with goals and assists. His ability to link up play and stretch defenses with his runs into the box will be a key asset. However, the absence of central midfielder Bandinelli due to suspension may disrupt their rhythm in the middle of the park.
Juve Stabia: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Juve Stabia’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with only 4 points from their last 5 matches. Their primary issue has been inconsistency in both attack and defense. They average just 42% possession, which speaks to their tendency to sit deeper and counterattack, relying on the pace of their wingers and the physicality of their forwards. This style of play is evident in their 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides defensive solidity but leaves them vulnerable to teams that can dominate possession.
The two holding midfielders, Antonio Cioffi and Andrea Schiavone, are tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and covering the defensive line. They often look to launch quick counters, with wingers like Giuseppe Caso and the versatile Alessandro Marotta creating width and offering pace on the break. Their counter-attacking philosophy is backed by long balls into the channels, hoping to exploit the spaces behind high defensive lines.
Juve Stabia’s offensive statistics are concerning, with an average of just 0.9 xG per game in their last 5 matches. They struggle to maintain sustained possession in the final third, with a significant drop-off in their effectiveness when transitioning from defense to attack. Their top scorer, Luigi Cuppone, will need to be clinical in front of goal, but his inconsistency has been an issue. Additionally, the team's reliance on set-pieces for goals could prove problematic against a well-organized Empoli defense. Key injuries to defenders Fabio Gerli and Matteo Ricci could weaken their backline further, making it a daunting task to contain Empoli's attacking players.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Empoli and Juve Stabia have faced each other 7 times in the past, with Empoli winning 4 of those encounters. However, the most recent match between the two teams, played earlier this season, ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Historically, Empoli has had the upper hand, but Juve Stabia has often made life difficult for them, especially when playing at home. The psychological edge may lie with Empoli, who have the momentum of a strong season, but Juve Stabia will be desperate to prove themselves on the road.
Empoli's ability to manage games, especially in the second half, has been a key factor in their recent successes, while Juve Stabia has struggled to hold on to leads and often finds themselves conceding late goals. The pressure will be on Juve Stabia, who cannot afford to drop points in this crucial relegation battle.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The tactical battle between Empoli's midfield and Juve Stabia's defensive block will be decisive. Empoli’s ability to control the midfield with Ricci, Bandinelli, and Haas will be a key factor in determining whether they can break through Juve Stabia’s compact defense. Juve Stabia will likely sit deep and look to stifle the creative play of Empoli’s midfield, hoping to catch them on the counter. The battle between Parisi and Caso on the wings will also be key—Empoli’s full-back is one of their primary outlets, but Caso’s pace and dribbling ability could give Juve Stabia an edge on the counter.
The central defensive pairing of Empoli’s Stulac and Ricci will have to deal with Cuppone’s physicality and the aerial threat posed by Juve Stabia’s tall forwards. Empoli’s defense has been solid this season, conceding just 0.9 goals per game, but they will need to stay focused to avoid being undone by a quick counter or set-piece.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match will likely be a tactical battle of possession vs. counter-attacking play. Empoli will look to dominate the ball and control the tempo, while Juve Stabia will aim to sit deep and exploit any space left behind on the counter. Empoli’s superior quality and attacking options should give them the edge in breaking down Juve Stabia’s defense, especially with the likes of Mancuso leading the charge. The absence of Bandinelli in the middle of the park may slightly weaken Empoli’s control, but they still have enough strength to dominate the game.
Juve Stabia, while dangerous on the break, will struggle to break down a well-organized Empoli defense. Their lack of consistent offensive output and defensive injuries make it hard to see them getting anything from this game. Expect Empoli to come out victorious, with a 2-0 win likely, as they capitalize on their superior possession and attacking fluidity. The key metrics will be possession (likely around 60% for Empoli), pass accuracy (Empoli should aim for around 85%), and shots on target (Empoli should generate 4-5 chances). Both teams will likely be tight defensively, with Juve Stabia failing to score.
Final Thoughts
Empoli’s attacking strength and tactical control should see them comfortably dispatch Juve Stabia. However, their ability to break down a deep defensive block, particularly with the absence of Bandinelli, will be a key question. Will Empoli be clinical enough to make their possession count, or can Juve Stabia pull off an upset on the counter? One thing is for certain—the pressure is on, and the outcome of this match could have major implications for both teams' aspirations this season.
How will Empoli cope with the absence of Bandinelli, and can Juve Stabia break their cycle of poor form on the road? This match is sure to answer those questions.
