Empoli vs Palermo - Serie B

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Empoli and Palermo together at the home ground on October 10, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Serie B occasion. It has not been a daunting fixture list but there are signs that Mourinho has found a way to get the best from an increasingly stacked Madrid squad.

Empoli head into the contest positioned 10th in the Serie B standings, while Palermo arrive sitting 2nd. The hosts have been steady if unspectacular, L in their last five reflecting a win rate of 50%. The visitors arrive in confident mood, their recent run of DWWW backed by a season win rate of 75%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. Inter want to sign Curtis Jones, but as things stand their valuation falls well short of Liverpool's, especially in a market when other Premier League proven players in his position have moved for such big fees.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Empoli favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Palermo are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Tottenham have changed their approach and are spending big on players who already know the Premier League.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman C. Shpendi — 5 goals this term — will be one to watch. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. In the Premier League alone, Hall enjoyed a breakthrough season under Eddie Hall, scoring a goal and bagging an assists in 30 appearances.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. On balance, Palermo may just have enough to take all three points. A 1-2 away win would not be a shock. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.