Inter Milan vs Empoli: prediction for the Coppa Italia match

Inter Milan were off to a slow start in Serie A, but the defending champions have gained momentum and managed to secure the top line of the standings before the winter break. Simone Inzaghi's men have chalked up 50 points and are two points ahead of their closest pursuers and bitter rivals, AC Milan. The Nerazzurri also have a game in hand. 

In the last round of Serie A, Inter Milan recorded a goalless draw with Atalanta away, thus losing an eight-game winning streak. The hosts also recently won their first trophy of the season, having defeated Juventus in the Italian Supercup match (2:1).

Empolihave been enjoying their life in the Italian elite. Aurelio Andreazzoli's men even managed to upset the Italain giants Juventus and Napoli (both 1:0) in the first half of the season. Before the winter break, the Azzurri sat in the middle of the log and were even considered contenders for European football.

However, they haven't been successful of late and struggled to earn points in their last games. Empoli are currently in 11th place in the table with 29 points, 6 points behind the 6th Fiorentina. A 1:1 draw with Venezia in the last round of Serie A extended Empoli's winless streak to five matches.