Luca Belardinelli, former professional of FC Südtirol, was in the starting eleven for Empoli. © ANSA / CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI

Empoli knocks Fiorentina out of the cup

In the Coppa Italia, there was the Tuscan derby between Fiorentina and Empoli on Wednesday evening. In the end, the underdog prevailed.

04 December 2024

From: cst

Somewhat surprisingly, but by no means undeservedly, Empoli advanced to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. The team led by former FCS professional Luca Belardinelli (he was in the starting line-up) won on penalties against the favored Fiorentina.

Emanuel Ekong had given Empoli an early lead (4th minute), but Moise Kean (59th minute) and Riccardo Sottil (70th minute) turned the tables. After 75 minutes, Sebastiano Esposito scored to make it 2-2. The match went into extra time, but remained goalless. In the penalty shootout, it was Esposito who scored the decisive goal, while Kean and Luca Ranieri missed for the Viola.