Empoli's recent defeat began disastrously, as they conceded within the first minute against Lazio, who went on to win 1-0 at the Castellani Stadium.

This made their challenge even tougher against a team vying for a top-four spot, with Lorenzo Colombo receiving a red card for two yellow cards in quick succession before halftime.

Winless in Serie A since December, the Coppa Italia semi-finalists have only managed to collect six points since, sliding deeper into a slump.

With 20 consecutive top-flight games without a win, this is the Tuscan side's worst-ever run, leaving them in the relegation zone, just two points from safety.

However, with three games remaining, including matches against fellow strugglers Parma, Monza, and Hellas Verona, Empoli might still pull off a miraculous escape from relegation.

At home, Empoli has the joint-worst record in Europe's top five leagues this season, with just one win and seven goals scored, but beating Parma and Verona could change that narrative.

After a 1-1 draw in October, Parma has drawn four of their last six Serie A encounters with Empoli, and their recent string of draws has positioned them close to securing their Serie A status.

The Crociati have drawn six of their last eight matches, with only one win, but this might suffice to ensure survival, as they are six points above the relegation zone and seven ahead of Empoli.

Last weekend, Parma earned a valuable point but conceded a late winner to Como at Stadio Tardini, reminding them not to take anything for granted.

Parma's last away win was in November against Venezia, and after drawing their last four away games, they are eager to break that drought.

Promoted as Serie B champions last year, Parma aims to confirm their Serie A survival with a win on Saturday, potentially condemning Empoli to relegation.

Empoli's manager, Roberto D'Aversa, who previously led Parma to promotion, may see some relief this weekend as midfielders Alberto Grassi and Liam Henderson return from suspensions, and Tyronne Ebuehi, Viktor Kovalenko, and Tino Anjorin work towards recovery. However, the team remains without Youssef Maleh, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, Pietro Pellegri, Szymon Zurkowski, and Christian Kouame due to injuries.

With Lorenzo Colombo suspended, Sebastiano Esposito, who has scored eight league goals this season (only one at home), is set to lead the attack.

Parma will be missing Alessandro Vogliacco, Adrian Bernabe, Valentin Mihaila, Nahuel Estevez, Yordan Osorio, and Gabriel Charpentier. Wingers Pontus Almqvist and Matteo Cancellieri are doubtful, but manager Cristian Chivu has adapted to a wing-back system.

Chivu plans to stick with his 3-5-2 formation, pairing Mateo Pellegrino and leading scorer Ange-Yoan Bonny upfront.

Empoli possible starting lineup: Vazquez; Goglichidze, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Pezzella; Fazzini, Cacace; Esposito

Parma possible starting lineup: Suzuki; Del Prato, Leoni, Valenti; Hainaut, Ondrejka, Keita, Sohm, Valeri; Pellegrino, Bonny