Empoli debut in European Football Beating FC Zurich 2 - 1, Now Prepares for Serie A Match Empoli - Napoli

By Anna Italia


What a historical debut for the Italian team Empoli FC in European football. 



Empoli, who has only 1 point and is in the 19th position in the Serie A, beat Swiss champions FC Zurich 2 -1 in the first round of the UEFA Cup on Thursday, September 20, 2007.

Empoli started the match convincingly, with determination, and ready to achieve something big for their fans. 

The victory over Zurich by a group of young soccer players is paying off. "I chose to send the young players but with great quality. They demonstrated all their value by winning their first victory in UEFA in the history of Empoli," said Gigi Cagni, coach of Empoli.

Cagni said that he wanted to rejoice with the good work done by the team, particularly in the first half.

Empoli defender Felice Piccolo said "We wanted to win to give everybody a big joy in such a special occasion for Empoli."  And they did.

In the first half, Empoli started with the right attitude. The Italian team opened the score just 4 minutes before the break when defender Felice Piccolo headed in a corner kick.

It was a dream moment for Empoli.  Piccolo who made his debut in UEFA Cup, said "it is a dream. I still cannot believe it."

In the second half, Empoli still dominated the match. 

Just four minutes after the break, Empoli midfielder Luca Antonini converted a penalty given for a foul by Zurich player Florian Stahel on Antonini.  It was 2 - 0 for the Tuscan team delighting their fans.

Antonini said, "I felt a great joy when I saw the ball inside the net, just an unforgettable moment. For me, it was my first penalty kick as a professional player.  I dedicate this goal to my daughter Sofia Vittoria and to my wife Benedetta. I want to share with them and with my teammates this happiness."
In the photo, Antonini celebrates by swinging his hands to show that he dedicates the goal to his daughter Sofia Vittoria.

Yet, after spending so much energy during 6o minutes, some players appeared tired. Here is where Zurich took advantage and obtained their goal in the 75th minute. Frenchman Alexandre Alphonse beat Empoli goalkeeper Davide Bassi with a long pass from midfield.

With this historical winning debut in UEFA Cup, Empoli now concentrates in their Sunday Serie A match: Empoli - Napoli. 

"In the next seven days we have 3 Serie A matches: Napoli, Catania, and Palermo. These are important matches for us. We will think in the return of the UEFA Cup match in the right moment; right now, we think in the Serie A," said Cagni.

Empoli is in the 19th position of the Serie A 2007 - 2008 standings, right in the relegation zone.  Hopefully, their victory in UEFA Cup will serve as a motivation. Though, Napoli, who is in the 3rd position with 6 points, is also ready to defeat Empoli in their own stadium.

Photo credits: empolifc.it (Gianni Nucci)

Next match:



Italian Serie A Tim 2007 - 2008 Fourth Round Fixtures
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Empoli - Napoli
15:00 (Italian time)
6:00 a.m. ( USA Pacific time)

Check your local TV listing here for Italian soccer / Italian Football
www.soccertv.com


Italian Serie A TIM 2007-2008 Standings / Table / Fixtures and Results / Italian Soccer Results /
          Classifica

Do you think Empoli will defeat Napoli?

- Yes
- No
- and why?
Posted by Anna Italia at 9/20/2007 3:14 PM
Categories: UEFA Cup, Empoli FC
 
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  • 9/21/2007 5:55 AM Kenntak wrote:
    Empoli beat a good team with what I understand to be a team made up mostly of non-starters. Let's hope for a win or draw on the return leg.
    Reply to this
    1. 9/21/2007 8:04 AM Anna Italia wrote:
      It was David against Goliath. They showed "the will to win," despite being young players with almost no experience. Yet, they did it. I was glad for them.
      Reply to this
  • 9/21/2007 7:13 PM Kenntak wrote:
    I was happy too, but this probably means that Empoli is not taking the UEFA cup seriously. I wish the Italian team would emphasize it more. I recall Palermo's owner stating that he hopes Palermo lose in the tournament.
    Reply to this
  • 9/21/2007 7:41 PM Anna Italia wrote:
    Kenntak, the reason why having mostly young players was also because some of the main players were injured. On the other hand, Empoli is trying to build a strong team by working with the young players. The point will be whether they will stay in Empoli once they become BIG and popular.
    Reply to this
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