Defending champions Inter Milan vs Empoli at San Siro this weekend in what promises to be a crucial clash for both teams in the 2024/25 Serie A season. Despite a shaky start to the year, Simone Inzaghi’s men are still in the thick of the title race, while Empoli, managed by Roberto D’Aversa, are desperate to end their winless streak. The stakes couldn’t be higher for this encounter as Inter look to reassert their dominance in front of their home fans.
Kickoff Time and TV Details
The much-anticipated match between Inter Milan and Empoli will take place on Sunday, 19th January 2025.
- Kickoff Times:
- UK: 7:45 pm
- US ET: 2:45 pm
- US PT: 11:45 am
- How to Watch on TV:
- UK: TNT Sports
- US: CBS Sports (Check local listings)
- Online Streaming:
- UK: TNT Sports App, OneFootball
- US: Paramount+
Inter Milan Team News: Midfield Woes
Inter head into the game with significant midfield concerns. Both Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are unavailable due to injuries, forcing Simone Inzaghi to reshuffle his setup. Defensive depth is also an issue, with Yann Bisseck and back-up goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro ruled out.
However, Inter still boast firepower upfront, with the prolific Lautaro Martinez and in-form Marcus Thuram expected to lead the line. The midfield will rely heavily on the creativity of Nicolò Barella and the youthful energy of Kristjan Asllani.
Predicted Lineup (3-5-2):
- Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
- Defenders: Matteo Darmian, Stefan de Vrij, Alessandro Bastoni
- Midfielders: Denzel Dumfries, Nicolò Barella, Kristjan Asllani, Piotr Zielinski, Federico Dimarco
- Forwards: Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martinez
Unavailable: Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Bisseck, Di Gennaro, Joaquin Correa
Questionable: None
Empoli Team News: Key Injuries to Manage
Empoli’s injury list continues to grow, making their trip to San Siro even more challenging. The team will be without suspended Emmanuel Ekong, while several other key players, including former Chelsea star Tino Anjorin, Ola Solbakken, and Pietro Pellegri, are sidelined. Defensive stalwart Ardian Ismajli remains doubtful, further complicating D’Aversa’s plans.
Empoli will likely turn to Fabiano Parisi and Tommaso Baldanzi to provide some creativity in midfield, while Lorenzo Colombo shoulders the responsibility upfront.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):
- Goalkeeper: Seghetti
- Defenders: Levan Goglichidze, Mattia De Sciglio, Matteo Viti
- Midfielders: Emmanuel Gyasi, Leo Grassi, Youssef Maleh, Giuseppe Pezzella
- Attacking Midfielders: Sebastiano Esposito, Liberato Cacace
- Forward: Lorenzo Colombo
Unavailable: Ekong, Anjorin, Solbakken, Pellegri, Haas, Ebuehi
Questionable: Ismajli
Inter Milan vs Empoli Form Guide
Inter Milan: The Nerazzurri have had a rough start to 2025. After losing the Supercoppa Italiana to AC Milan in a dramatic 3-2 match, they settled for a frustrating 2-2 draw with Bologna in midweek. However, Inter remain unbeaten at San Siro in Serie A this season, making them favorites for Sunday’s clash.
Empoli: The visitors have been struggling, with their most recent result a 3-1 defeat to Lecce. Empoli are winless in their last five league games, slipping down to the bottom half of the table. They will need a remarkable performance to avoid defeat against a high-flying Inter side.
Inter Milan vs Empoli Prediction
Simone Inzaghi’s men will be eager to bounce back after two disappointing results. Given their home advantage, superior squad depth, and the individual brilliance of players like Lautaro Martinez, Inter are poised to secure a convincing victory. Empoli’s depleted squad and recent poor form make them heavy underdogs in this contest.
Prediction: Inter Milan 3-0 Empoli
Betting Tip: Inter Milan to win with a -1 handicap
FAQs
What time does Inter Milan vs Empoli kick off?
The match kicks off at 7:45 pm (UK), 2:45 pm (US ET), and 11:45 am (US PT) on Sunday, 19th January 2025.
Where can I watch Inter Milan vs Empoli?
UK viewers can catch the game on TNT Sports, while US fans can watch it on CBS Sports or stream it on Paramount+.
What is the expected Inter Milan lineup?
Inter’s predicted lineup is a 3-5-2 featuring Sommer, Darmian, de Vrij, Bastoni, Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zielinski, Dimarco, Thuram, and Lautaro Martinez.
Which players are unavailable for Inter Milan?
Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Bisseck, Di Gennaro, and Correa are unavailable due to injuries.
How has Empoli performed recently?
Empoli are winless in their last five matches and recently suffered a 3-1 defeat to Lecce.
Who is expected to score for Inter Milan?
Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram are strong contenders to get on the scoresheet for Inter Milan.
