Football Season Guide

The past season saw Empoli deservedly winning Serie B as they took the lead early on and never looking back. With the best attack and one of the best defences, they topped most of the stats charts and so made it back Serie A at the second time of asking. Little-known coach Federico Dionisi was the architect of their success but he did not stay on with the club and left after just one season in charge, lured by Sassuolo money. In response Empoli have turned to the ageing Aurelio Andreazzoli. He had a mixed experience at the club when they were last in Serie A. His subsequent stint at Genoa was disastrous. During the summer, Empoli had to part ways with some of the protagonists of the promotion campaign. Players like Terzic, Casale and Matos all had to return to their parent clubs after loan spells, while centre-back Nikolau was sold for good money that will help them finance incoming transfers this season. Having seen most of their defence gone, they signed in a couple of youngsters who carried themselves well in Spezia's successful season: centre-back Ismajli and left-back Marchizza. Both could make it straight into the starting eleven. Vicario, from Cagliari, could represent a valid back-up for Brignoli in goal while Crociata could earn himself some relevant playing time in the midfield. Empoli are trying to strengthen the squad in all departments. They need more strength in depth and a concern is that most of last season's regulars have hardly any Serie A experience.