Empoli kicked off their pre-season preparations with a narrow 1-0 victory over ACD Virtus Entella at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on July 26, 2026. The Serie A side controlled much of the friendly encounter but needed a second-half strike to break down the resilient Lega Pro visitors.

Match Overview

In a contest played at a moderate tempo typical of early pre-season, Empoli dominated possession and created the clearer chances. Virtus Entella, organised and disciplined, looked to frustrate their higher-tier opponents on the counter. The deadlock was broken in the 67th minute when Empoli's attacking midfielder latched onto a loose ball inside the box and slotted home past the Entella goalkeeper. The home side could have added more, but missed a handful of opportunities in the closing stages.

Key Moments

• 11' – Empoli's first clear chance: a curling effort from the left edge of the area forced a diving save.
• 28' – Virtus Entella threatened on the break, but the final pass was intercepted.
• 67' – Goal! Empoli 1-0. A half-cleared corner fell perfectly for a well‑struck finish.
• 82' – Empoli hit the crossbar from a free‑kick, denying them a second goal.

Standout Performances

Empoli's midfield duo controlled the rhythm, while the young full‑backs showed willingness to join attacks. For Virtus Entella, the centre‑back pairing was solid throughout, and the goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable. The match offered valuable minutes for squad rotation as both managers experimented with different lineups.

What's Next

Empoli will continue their friendly schedule with a fixture against a higher‑profile opponent later in the week, while Virtus Entella return to training camp to sharpen their tactical shape ahead of the new Serie C season.