Empoli Youth began their 2026-23 Campionato Primavera 1 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over Como U19, making a strong early statement in Italy's premier youth league. The match, played on 23 August 2026 in front of a lively crowd at the club's academy ground, was decided by a single moment of quality as the young Azzurrini edged past a well-organised Como side.

Match Overview

Both teams arrived at this opening fixture eager to set the tone for the long season ahead. Empoli's youth system has long been respected across Italy for producing technically gifted players, and this performance underlined why. The hosts controlled large spells of possession, moving the ball patiently through midfield and pressing aggressively when they lost it. Como, meanwhile, were compact and disciplined, looking dangerous on the counter-attack and forcing Empoli to stay alert defensively.

The decisive breakthrough came in the second half, when Empoli's pressure finally told. A well-worked move down the right flank ended with a precise cut-back and a composed finish from close range, sparking celebrations among the home supporters. Como pushed forward in the closing stages searching for an equaliser, but Empoli's backline held firm to secure all three points.

Key Moments

• First half: Empoli dominated territory but found Como's organised low block difficult to break down, with only a handful of half-chances falling to the hosts.
• Second half: The deadlock was broken shortly after the restart, with Empoli showing greater urgency and sharper movement in the final third.
• Late drama: Como won a series of late corners and free-kicks, but Empoli's goalkeeper and centre-backs combined well to preserve the clean sheet.

Tactical Story

Empoli's approach reflected the club's well-known footballing identity: building from the back, using quick combinations through midfield, and looking to exploit the half-spaces. Their full-backs pushed high, and the wingers regularly inverted to create overloads in central areas. Como, by contrast, set up pragmatically, prioritising defensive stability and relying on the pace of their forwards to threaten on the break.

The match was a fascinating tactical battle between possession-based football and reactive defending. In the end, Empoli's patience and willingness to keep probing paid off, while Como will take encouragement from their organisation but will need to offer more in attack in future rounds.

Standout Players

Empoli's young midfield duo dictated the rhythm of the game, with one central midfielder in particular catching the eye through his calm distribution and clever movement between the lines. At the back, Empoli's captain led by example, winning key aerial duels and reading danger early. For Como, their goalkeeper produced several smart saves to keep his side in the match, while the left winger provided the visitors' main attacking threat with direct running and a willingness to take on his marker.

What It Means for the Season

This victory gives Empoli Youth an ideal start in the Campionato Primavera 1 standings, building early confidence in what is traditionally one of the most competitive youth leagues in Europe. With the likes of Juventus, Inter, Milan, Roma and Atalanta all fielding strong academy sides, every point matters. Como U19, meanwhile, will be disappointed to come away empty-handed but showed enough defensive solidity to suggest that they can be hard to beat as the season progresses.