Ever Banega will get the nod over Joao Mario to occupy the attacking midfield role against Empoli Gazzetta dello Sport understand. Gazzetta also believe Pioli will deploy his squad in a 4-2-3-1 like so,
Handanovic; Ansaldi, Miranda, Medel, D’Ambrosio; Kondogbia, Gagliardini; Eder, Banega, Candreva; Palacio
Source: FCInterNews.it