Monday's Serie A predictions including Empoli vs. Udinese

Empoli vs. Udinese (Monday, 5.30pm)

Trailing their visitors by one point in the Serie A standings, Empoli will attempt to leapfrog Udinese with a win at Stadio Castellani on Monday evening.

While the Azzurri continue to exceed expectations, their opponents slipped down the table by losing three straight games before the break.

We say: Empoli 0-0 Udinese

As Udinese do not travel well and Empoli frequently fail to score at home, a close-fought contest could be on the cards.

With two well-matched teams convening at the Castellani, a goalless stalemate may even be the final outcome.

Venezia vs. Lecce (Monday, 7.45pm)

Both stuck inside Serie A's drop zone and facing a season-long scrap for survival, Venezia and Lecce will meet at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Monday evening.

Lecce's board finally lost patience with Luca Gotti and decided to make a managerial change during the international break, and they will hope to see immediate results in Venice.

We say: Venezia 2-1 Lecce

Venezia's two wins so far have both come on home turf, and how they fare at their lagoonside headquarters will surely dictate whether the Lagunari survive this season.

As Lecce have proven too easy to exploit and are yet to find the right formula up front, expect Marco Giampolo's latest dugout debut to end in defeat.