Empoli

Club Profile

Overview

Empoli Football Club is based in Empoli, a town in Tuscany, Italy. The club currently competes in Serie B, the second tier of Italian football, following relegation from Serie A at the end of the 2024–2025 season. Founded in 1920, Empoli is notable for representing a relatively small city that has nevertheless experienced top-flight football on multiple occasions. The team plays its home matches at the Stadio Carlo Castellani – Computer Gross Arena, which has a capacity of approximately 16,800 spectators. Traditionally, the club wears blue kits, earning the nickname “Azzurri.” Over its history, Empoli has taken part in 89 national league campaigns, including 17 seasons in Serie A, 22 in Serie B, and a significant number in the third tier.

History

Empoli’s origins date back to August 1920, when Football Club Empoli and a local sporting organisation merged to create a unified football team for the town. After initially facing financial challenges that limited participation in higher divisions, the club competed in regional leagues throughout the 1920s. By 1926–1927, Empoli had progressed sufficiently to win their regional division and earn entry into broader national competitions.

The late 1920s and 1930s saw the club fluctuate between divisions, often affected by financial constraints. In 1935–1936, Empoli was forced to withdraw from competition mid-season due to military conscription impacting its players. Following the interruption of the Second World War, the club resumed activity and achieved promotion to Serie B in 1945–1946 after a strong performance in Serie C. During the late 1940s, Empoli enjoyed a brief but notable period in the second division, including a third-place finish in 1946–1947, before relegation in 1950.

The following decades were characterised by instability, with the club moving between Serie C and lower divisions. Financial difficulties in the 1950s led to relegation to Serie D, though Empoli managed to return to the third tier by the early 1960s. From that point, the club established itself as a regular presence in the third level for many years.

A major turning point arrived in 1982–1983 when Empoli secured promotion to Serie B after more than three decades away. Just three seasons later, in 1985–1986, the club achieved a historic milestone by earning promotion to Serie A for the first time, aided by a league adjustment following disciplinary action against another team. Their debut top-flight campaign in 1986–1987 was memorable, as Empoli managed to retain their status by narrowly avoiding relegation.

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a decline, including relegation and a return to the third tier. Stability gradually returned under president Fabrizio Corsi, who took charge in 1991. Under the guidance of coach Luciano Spalletti in the mid-1990s, Empoli enjoyed a resurgence, winning promotion to Serie B and then achieving consecutive promotion to Serie A in 1996–1997. The club also claimed the Coppa Italia Serie C in 1995–1996, marking its first major trophy.

The late 1990s brought another period in Serie A, with survival achieved in the 1997–1998 season, followed by relegation the next year. The early 2000s saw further promotion in 2001–2002, with Empoli continuing to alternate between Serie A and Serie B. Notable players such as Massimo Maccarone and Antonio Di Natale emerged during this period, enhancing the club’s reputation for developing talent.

One of Empoli’s most successful modern campaigns came in 2006–2007, when the team finished seventh in Serie A with a club-record 54 points, qualifying for the UEFA Cup for the first time. Although their European participation in 2007–2008 was short-lived, it remains a landmark achievement.

Throughout the 2010s, Empoli continued its pattern of promotion and relegation. Under Maurizio Sarri, the club returned to Serie A in 2014 and established a reputation for attractive football. Subsequent seasons under Marco Giampaolo maintained stability, including a top-half finish in 2015–2016. However, relegation followed in 2016–2017.

In 2017–2018, Empoli won the Serie B title, securing promotion once again. The club celebrated its centenary in 2020, marking 100 years of existence with special initiatives and commemorative designs. Another promotion came in 2020–2021 under Alessio Dionisi, followed by several seasons in Serie A, including a record run of four consecutive top-flight campaigns.

Despite moments of resilience, including dramatic survival in 2023–2024, the club was relegated at the end of the 2024–2025 season after finishing in the bottom three. Nonetheless, they achieved a historic milestone in the same season by reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals for the first time.

Competition Performance

Empoli’s competitive record reflects a club that has spent much of its existence outside the top tier but has consistently demonstrated the ability to rise through the divisions. The club has won the Serie B title on three occasions: 2004–2005, 2017–2018, and 2020–2021, each resulting in promotion to Serie A. Additionally, they secured the Coppa Italia Serie C in 1995–1996, marking a significant achievement at lower-league level.

In Serie A, Empoli’s best finish came in the 2006–2007 season, when they placed seventh and qualified for European competition. This campaign also included a run to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia, highlighting a period of strong overall performance. Their participation in the UEFA Cup during the 2007–2008 season, although brief, remains a notable moment in the club’s history.

Across its history, Empoli has alternated frequently between divisions, with promotions often followed by relegation. Despite this inconsistency, the club has maintained a respectable standing in Italian football, ranking within the top 35 clubs in terms of historical sporting tradition according to the Italian Football Federation. They also hold mid-table positions in the all-time standings of both Serie A and Serie B.

In youth football, Empoli has achieved success by winning the Primavera championship twice, in 1998–1999 and 2020–2021. These victories underline the club’s emphasis on developing young players, which has become a defining feature of its competitive approach.

Stadium

Empoli plays its home matches at the Stadio Carlo Castellani – Computer Gross Arena, originally constructed in 1936. Initially known as the municipal stadium, it was later renamed in honour of Carlo Castellani, a former player who died during the Second World War. The stadium has undergone several developments over the decades, particularly following the club’s promotion to Serie A in 1986, when additional seating and structural improvements were introduced.

A significant redevelopment took place in the 1960s, when a new version of the stadium was built while retaining its original name. Further expansions in 1997 included enhancements to the North Stand and the addition of a parterre section. Today, the ground accommodates approximately 16,800 spectators and includes modern facilities such as training areas, dressing rooms, and fitness spaces.

In addition to the main stadium, Empoli operates the Monteboro training centre, located in the surrounding Tuscan countryside. This complex serves both the first team and the youth academy, featuring multiple pitches and administrative facilities.

Identity

Empoli’s identity is closely tied to its traditional blue colours, which have been used consistently since the post-war period. The nickname “Azzurri” reflects this visual identity. Over time, the club has experimented with alternative designs, including early kits featuring red and black elements, but blue has remained the defining colour.

The club’s crest has evolved significantly, with various designs incorporating local symbols and historical references. The current badge retains the core elements of earlier versions, including stylised lettering and a shield design. Special editions, such as the centenary crest introduced in 2020, highlight the club’s heritage while incorporating modern design elements.

Supporters play an important role in the club’s identity. Empoli has a relatively modest but dedicated fanbase, with organised supporter groups forming since the 1970s. The “Rangers 1976” were among the earliest ultras groups, followed by others such as the “Desperados.” In recent years, new groups have emerged, reflecting changes in supporter culture. Attendance figures have varied over time, with peak crowds recorded in the late 1990s.

The club’s official anthem, introduced in 2018, is “La tua squadra del cuore,” which has become a recognisable part of matchday culture. Empoli is also known for its emphasis on youth development, regularly producing players who go on to succeed at higher levels, reinforcing its reputation as a development-focused club.

Rivalries

Empoli’s most significant rivalry is with Fiorentina, with matches between the two clubs known as the Derby dell’Arno. This fixture carries strong regional importance within Tuscany and is the most anticipated contest for supporters. Encounters between the sides have often been competitive, particularly during periods when both clubs have shared the same division.

In addition to Fiorentina, Empoli has developed rivalries with several other clubs, including Pisa, Siena, and Pistoiese, reflecting local and regional tensions. There are also less prominent but notable rivalries with clubs such as Carpi, Brescia, Sassuolo, and Udinese.

While rivalries are an integral part of the club’s culture, Empoli supporters have also formed friendly relationships with certain fanbases, including Parma and Crotone. These connections illustrate the broader social dimension of football culture surrounding the club.