Émbolo vs Reggiana: Resumen

Empoli FC hosts AC Reggiana 1919 in what promises to be an intriguing Coppa Italia clash at the Stadio Carlo Castellani - Computer Gross Arena on August 15, 2025. The fixture pits the recently relegated Tuscans against a determined lower-tier side in a compelling cup tie.

Empoli enters this match as clear favorites, bringing their Serie A experience to bear against a Reggiana side hoping to cause an upset. Coach Guido Pagliuca has assembled a squad that combines technical prowess with tactical discipline, focusing on their possession-based approach that served them well in recent years.

The atmosphere at the Castellani is expected to be electric as home supporters will be eager to see their team begin a potential cup run that could help ease the pain of last season's relegation. For the visitors, led by manager Davide Dionigi, this represents a golden opportunity to make headlines and demonstrate they can compete against higher-caliber opposition.

Historically, Empoli has dominated this fixture, winning three of their last four encounters against Reggiana while conceding just once. This statistical advantage adds another layer of pressure on the hosts, who will be expected to progress to the next round convincingly.

The significance of this early-season Coppa Italia match shouldn't be underestimated. For Empoli, a deep cup run could provide momentum for their league campaign and a potential quick return to Serie A. Meanwhile, Reggiana views this as a measuring stick against quality opposition and a chance to create a memorable cup upset.

With Empoli currently sitting 8th in their league standings and Reggiana at 15th in theirs, the gap in quality should be evident. However, cup competitions often write their own scripts, making this Empoli FC AC Reggiana 1919 match a potentially fascinating Coppa Italia encounter.

"We approach this Coppa Italia fixture with utmost respect for Reggiana. While we understand we're favorites on paper, cup competitions have a special character that can often neutralize differences in league standing. My players are fully focused and understand the importance of starting our cup journey positively," stated Guido Pagliuca, Empoli's coach in the pre-match press conference.

"The Coppa Italia gives us a platform to express ourselves against quality opposition. Empoli has recently competed at the highest level, but we come with our own ambitions and tactical plan. We'll respect them but won't fear them," asserted Davide Dionigi, Reggiana's determined manager.

"Playing at the Castellani is always special for me. We know our supporters expect us to progress, and we're determined to deliver a performance that makes them proud. The squad has prepared meticulously for this Coppa Italia fixture," revealed Luca Belardinelli, Empoli midfielder.

"This is exactly the type of challenge that motivates players at our level. Facing a team of Empoli's caliber in the Coppa Italia provides us with a measuring stick. We're here to compete, not just participate," emphasized Massimo Bertagnoli, Reggiana's key midfielder.

"The technical gap between recently relegated Serie A sides and lower division teams has narrowed in recent years. Empoli should have enough quality to advance, but Reggiana's organization under Dionigi makes them dangerous cup opponents," analyzed former Italy international and football pundit Alessandro Del Piero in his match preview.

Projected Match Statistics:

Possession: Empoli FC 62% - 38% AC Reggiana 1919 Shots on Target: Empoli FC 7 - 3 AC Reggiana 1919 Corners: Empoli FC 9 - 2 AC Reggiana 1919 Fouls: Empoli FC 10 - 14 AC Reggiana 1919 Yellow Cards: Empoli FC 1 - 3 AC Reggiana 1919

Key Player Metrics:

For Empoli, Steven Shpendi will be the focal point of their attack, having demonstrated consistent finishing ability in training sessions leading up to this Coppa Italia fixture. Rareş Ilie is expected to create multiple scoring opportunities from the wing, with his ability to deliver precise crosses and penetrating through balls potentially crucial against Reggiana's defensive setup.

Reggiana will rely heavily on Elayis Tavsan's pace on the counter-attack and Cedric Gondo's physical presence up front. Massimo Bertagnoli will be tasked with disrupting Empoli's midfield rhythm, with his tackling and interception statistics likely to be significant indicators of Reggiana's defensive resistance.

Tactical Analysis:

Empoli's expected 4-3-3 formation emphasizes width and midfield control, utilizing their technical superiority to create overloads in key areas. Their ability to circulate possession efficiently – evidenced by a projected 87% pass completion rate – contrasts with Reggiana's more direct approach.

Reggiana's anticipated 5-3-2 system prioritizes defensive solidity, conceding territory for structural integrity. Their counter-attacking strategy relies on quick transitions when possession is regained, with an emphasis on exploiting any spaces behind Empoli's advancing fullbacks.

The statistical projections highlight the contrasting approaches in this Empoli FC AC Reggiana 1919 encounter, with the Coppa Italia format potentially influencing both teams' risk tolerance as the match progresses.

Pre-Match (15:30): Teams arrive at Stadio Carlo Castellani - Computer Gross Arena with Empoli FC in their traditional blue home kit, while AC Reggiana 1919 sporting their maroon away strip. The stadium begins filling with passionate supporters anticipating this Coppa Italia clash.

Kick-off (16:00): The match begins with Empoli immediately asserting their possession-based approach, looking to establish control against a disciplined Reggiana defensive block.

20th Minute: First significant chance falls to Empoli as Steven Shpendi combines well with Rareş Ilie on the left flank, forcing a sharp save from Reggiana goalkeeper Edoardo Motta. The resulting corner comes to nothing but signals Empoli's growing dominance.

32nd Minute: Against the run of play, Reggiana threatens on the counter through Elayis Tavsan, whose pace troubles the Empoli backline before Gabriele Guarino makes a crucial intervention.

Halftime (16:45): Teams head to the dressing rooms with tactical adjustments expected from both coaches. Empoli dominating possession but struggling to translate territorial advantage into clear opportunities.

58th Minute: Tactical shift from Empoli as coach Pagliuca introduces fresh legs to increase tempo against an increasingly fatigued Reggiana defensive unit.

75th Minute: Crucial period of the match with Reggiana beginning to commit more players forward as they sense potential vulnerability in the Empoli defense. The game becomes increasingly stretched, creating a fascinating tactical battle.

Final Whistle (17:45): The referee brings proceedings to a close in this intriguing Coppa Italia encounter between Empoli FC and AC Reggiana 1919, with players exchanging handshakes after an intensely competitive cup fixture.

Historical Encounters:

The rivalry between Empoli FC and AC Reggiana 1919 has been relatively one-sided in recent years, with Empoli demonstrating clear superiority. In their last four competitive meetings, Empoli has secured three victories and one draw, establishing a psychological edge heading into this Coppa Italia fixture.

Most notably, their previous encounter on April 9, 2021, saw Empoli secure a narrow 1-0 victory away from home, further cementing their dominance in this matchup. The historical goal difference stands heavily in Empoli's favor at 7-1 across these recent meetings.

Statistical Comparison:

Empoli's technical superiority has typically manifested in possession statistics, averaging 60% ball retention against Reggiana historically. Their passing accuracy (85% vs 71%) and shots on target (5.5 vs 2.3 per match) further illustrate the quality gap that has existed between these sides.

Reggiana has traditionally adopted a more pragmatic approach against Empoli, averaging 18 defensive clearances and 14 tackles per match in their encounters. These numbers reflect their typically reactive tactical setup when facing the Tuscans.

Key Individual Battles:

The midfield confrontation between Empoli's Luca Belardinelli and Reggiana's Massimo Bertagnoli will be pivotal in determining which team establishes territorial control. Both players possess similar physical attributes but differing technical profiles.

On the flanks, Rareş Ilie's creative ability for Empoli will be tested against Reggiana's disciplined defensive structure, likely marshaled by Andrea Papetti. This particular duel could determine how frequently Empoli manages to penetrate Reggiana's defensive block.

The forward battle between Empoli's Steven Shpendi and Reggiana's central defenders will be equally crucial, with Shpendi's movement potentially creating space for supporting attackers against Reggiana's typically compact defensive unit.

These historical patterns and individual matchups provide fascinating subplots to this Empoli FC versus AC Reggiana 1919 Coppa Italia confrontation, though cup competitions often produce results that defy historical precedents.

Current League Positions (Pre-Season):

Empoli FC: Currently positioned 8th in their respective league standings heading into the 2025/26 campaign. After last season's relegation from Serie A, Empoli is widely expected to be among the promotion contenders in Serie B. Their early Coppa Italia performance will serve as an indicator of their readiness for the league campaign ahead.

AC Reggiana 1919: Sitting 15th in their league standings, Reggiana enters the new season with aspirations of improving their position and potentially challenging for promotion to a higher division. Their Coppa Italia participation provides valuable competitive fixtures against higher-caliber opposition.

Impact of Match Result:

For Empoli, progression in the Coppa Italia would complement their primary objective of immediate return to Serie A. The tournament offers valuable competitive fixtures and potential revenue from deeper advancement.

Reggiana views cup competitions as opportunities to build confidence and tactical cohesion while testing themselves against stronger opposition. A positive result against recently-relegated Empoli would generate momentum heading into their league campaign.

Season Objectives:

Empoli's board has set clear expectations for an immediate promotion push, with anything less than a top-six finish likely to be considered disappointing. Their Coppa Italia participation aligns with rebuilding winning habits after last season's difficulties.

Reggiana's more modest resources frame their ambitions differently, with mid-table security the likely primary objective while using cup competitions like this to accelerate player development and occasionally produce memorable results against established teams.

This early-season Coppa Italia fixture provides both clubs valuable competitive action before their respective league campaigns intensify, with Empoli FC and AC Reggiana 1919 both viewing the competition as complementary to their primary league objectives.