Empoli vs Vicenza 23.10.2026: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

The eighth round of the Italian Serie B brings together two teams from the lower reaches of the standings. Empoli is seeking stability after a recent coaching change and hopes to finally deliver a strong showing for their home supporters. Vicenza, meanwhile, travels to Tuscany aiming to demonstrate that their dramatic rescue in the last round was no accident.

Structural and Personnel Issues Plague Empoli

The arrival of Matteo Andreoletti as head coach has not yet sparked a revival for the hosts. Empoli’s crisis persists, as vividly highlighted by their recent match against Palermo (2-4), where they allowed three goals in just twelve minutes. The defense tends to panic under sustained pressure, and the injury to key midfielder Gerard Yepez worsens the situation. Yepez does more than just break up attacks; he links the lines and controls the overall rhythm, so without him, Empoli loses command during transitional phases. An additional setback is the absence of Simone Romagnoli, which forces the coaching staff to overhaul the central defensive trio.

Vicenza’s Away Struggles

Fabio Gallo’s team has not secured a single victory in four away matches this season, recording two draws and two losses. Without the backing of their home crowd, Vicenza loses tactical discipline and has conceded a total of nine goals in these four games. The visitors are especially vulnerable in standard positions and against flank crosses. Even though Empoli faces difficulties in positional attacks, such weaknesses in the visitors’ defense will give the Tuscans plenty of solid opportunities to find the net.

Tactical Flexibility in Second Halves

Vicenza’s main asset is their ability to adapt during matches that start poorly. In the last round against Benevento, the team had a weak start but recovered two goals to finish with a 2-2 draw. Fabio Gallo makes effective use of his bench: the introduction of fresh players like Lorenzo Caferri and Mattia Valoti dramatically alters the game’s flow. If Empoli takes the lead and tries to protect a narrow advantage by sitting deep in defense, the visitors are likely to raise the tempo, push their flank players forward, and create dangerous moments near the opponents’ goal in the second half.

Predictions and Odds

Main Prediction: Empoli Win with Handicap (0) at 1.70

The home advantage and Vicenza’s poor away record make Empoli logical favorites. Vicenza has yet to win on the road this season, and conceding an average of 2.25 goals per away game is a clear sign of their issues. The zero handicap protects against a draw, which Vicenza has managed in two of their four away matches through tactical adjustments in second halves. Empoli has stronger arguments in attack. Empoli win with handicap (0) at odds of 1.70, with an estimated probability of 65%.

Prediction on Total: Over 2.5 at 1.93

Both teams display defensive weaknesses: Empoli has conceded 11 goals in 7 games, while Vicenza has conceded 15. In all four away matches this season, Vicenza has allowed at least two goals. Empoli is mentally fragile, often losing focus after conceding, and may cede the midfield due to personnel losses. Vicenza can suddenly increase the pace and punish passivity with long-range strikes. Total over 2.5 at odds of 1.93, with an estimated probability of 60%.