Empoli U20 vs Sassuolo U20 - Campionato Primavera - 1

A fascinating Campionato Primavera - 1 chapter awaits on September 19, 2026 when Empoli U20 take on Sassuolo U20 at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

The standings paint a clear picture: Empoli U20 in 5th, Sassuolo U20 in 15th, and both keen to climb. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — WDDW across their last five with a win rate of 50% — and they will want to push on from here. Sassuolo U20 have struggled to string results together away from home, W over their last five with a win rate of 25%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Empoli U20 average 1.75 per game to Sassuolo U20's 1.75, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. In his latest column, Paul Merson predicts the 2026/27 Premier League season at both ends of the table.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Empoli U20 will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Sassuolo U20 will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images) According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United 'are not proceeding' with a move for the Brighton midfielder.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Ajax's struggles have become a soap opera but new boss Michel has delivered seven wins and two draws across all competitions to ensure they at least have a Conference League campaign to look forward to.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. All signs point towards a home win, with Empoli U20 favoured to come out on top by a 3-2 scoreline. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Campionato Primavera - 1 standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. The Spaniard heading to Barca all but rules out a midfield departure from the Bernabeu and thus United will likely have to look elsewhere.