In an electrifying Coppa Italia Round of 16 clash, Empoli emerged victorious over Fiorentina after a dramatic 2-2 draw and a nerve-wracking 4-3 penalty shootout. The match, held at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 4, 2024, saw memorable goals, missed chances, and an emotional tribute to Fiorentina’s Edoardo Bove.
Match Highlights:
1. A Fast Start for Empoli:
Empoli stunned Fiorentina early as Emmanuel Ekong capitalized on a defensive error just four minutes into the match, slotting a composed finish past goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano.
2. Fiorentina’s Response:
Fiorentina fought back with Moise Kean equalizing in the 59th minute, pouncing on a rebound after a brilliant save by Jacopo Seghetti. Riccardo Sottil then gave La Viola the lead in the 70th minute with a stunning effort that deflected into the far corner.
3. Empoli Strikes Back:
Empoli refused to back down, with Sebastiano Esposito leveling the score in the 75th minute. A delicate chip over the goalkeeper brought the visitors back into contention and set the stage for penalties.
A Nail-Biting Penalty Shootout:
With no extra time in Coppa Italia matches, the game went straight to penalties.
- Fiorentina started strong with Albert Gudmundsson and Christian Kouame converting their kicks, but misses by Luca Ranieri and Moise Kean proved costly.
- Empoli kept their composure, with Esposito’s decisive strike sending them to the quarter-finals.
Penalty Scores:
- Fiorentina: Gudmundsson, Kouame, Cataldi (Scored); Ranieri, Kean (Missed)
- Empoli: Colombo, Henderson, Marianucci, Esposito (Scored); Ekong (Missed)
Tributes to Edoardo Bove:
The match was an emotional one for Fiorentina fans and players alike, who paid tribute to Edoardo Bove. The 22-year-old collapsed during a Serie A match against Inter and remains in intensive care. Players and fans displayed banners and tifo to honor Bove, showcasing the unity and support of the football community.
Looking Ahead:
Empoli’s victory secures them a spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Juventus-Cagliari matchup. Meanwhile, Fiorentina will need to regroup and refocus for their Serie A campaign.
