Monday's Serie A predictions including Fiorentina vs. Empoli

Udinese vs. Lecce (Monday, 5.30pm)

Early-season strugglers Udinese welcome Lecce to the Dacia Arena for a Serie A encounter on Monday evening.

Still winless so far this season, Andrea Sottil is on thin ice in the Udinese hotseat, and they need points soon before a daunting November fixture list.

We say: Udinese 1-1 Lecce

Lecce took four points off Udinese last season despite finishing 10 points behind them in the final standings, and another draw between the sides here at the Dacia Arena looks likely.

All five of Udinese's points so far have come via draws, and while arguably stronger on paper, lingering injuries mean the hosts are likely to stay near the bottom for the time being.

Fiorentina vs. Empoli (Monday, 7.45pm)

Two sides fighting at opposite ends of the table in the early stages of the Serie A campaign meet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Monday, when Fiorentina host Empoli in the Derby dell'Arno.

Fiorentina signed off for the international break in superb fashion, beating reigning champions Napoli convincingly at the Maradona to move into the top four.

We say: Fiorentina 2-0 Empoli

After beating the likes of Napoli and Atalanta already and having only lost at Inter, Fiorentina are clear favourites for this clash and should find those record-setting three points in this Tuscan derby.

Empoli have looked toothless for the most part, and despite some more positive signs since Andreazzoli's arrival, they are up against it here.