Palermo vs Empoli preview - Maccarone hoping to keep run going

Posted Saturday, February 28, 2015 by PA

Empoli striker Massimo Maccarone hopes to continue his recent goalscoring form when his side visit Palermo on Sunday.

The 35-year-old forward has struck five times in his team's last four Serie A games, including two goals in last weekend's 3-0 triumph over Chievo.

Maccarone, who has scored seven goals and set up five more in 21 appearances, told the Italian media: "I hope to keep up this form for as long as possible

"I just want to continue to give my contribution to the team.

"I'm really happy to have scored two goals, but more so to have won an important game."

Sunday's win extended Empoli's unbeaten run to four games and lifted the Tuscan outfit to 14th place, seven points clear of the drop zone.

Despite their good form of late, Maccarone knows there is still a long way to go before they can relax.

"We have to fly low and continue to work hard," he said. "We have to keep up this mentality.

"Our aim is to secure our Serie A status as soon as possible."

Empoli will face a stern test at La Favorita, with Palermo unbeaten at home since September.

The Rossaneri have won five of their last six home games and will be favourites to take all three points.

Palermo lost 2-1 at Lazio last time out to drop to 10th in the standings.

With the Sicilians having failed to win on the road since November, Palermo coach Giuseppe Iachini knows the importance of taking as many points as possible from their home games.

"We are not being rewarded for our efforts when playing away from home," Iachini said. "We need to make sure we make home advantage count on Sunday."

Palermo have not kept a clean sheet since early January and will be without striker Edgar Barreto, who serves a one-match ban.

Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri will have all his players available.