How a small Tuscan town became a rare fixture in Italy's top flight
In short: Most Serie A clubs represent major provincial capitals, but Empoli FC is different. Since its 1920 origins, this club has defied the odds, navigating economic crises, wartime withdrawals, and dramatic relegation battles to secure its place among Italy's footballing elite.
Founded in August 1920 through the merger of Foot Ball Club Empoli and the football section of Unione Sportiva Empoli, the club's early years were defined by instability. After a tournament in San Miniato, the new entity joined the Italian Football Federation in September 1921. However, economic difficulties prevented them from competing in the Tuscan Promozione, forcing them into the lower Terza Categoria instead.
The club's history is a saga of resilience and shifting identities. During the 1935–36 season, the team was forced to withdraw halfway through due to the call to arms for many players. In the following years, the club underwent several name changes, including OND Empoli and OND Interaziable Italo Gambaccioni Section Soccer, before eventually returning to the name Empoli Foot Ball Club after the Second World War.
Empoli’s ascent to the top tier was not a straight line. They reached Serie A for the first time in 1986, famously defeating Internazionale 1–0 in their debut. While the club has experienced frequent movement between Serie A, Serie B, and Serie C, they have established a reputation for nurturing talent, often bringing in young players on loan from giants like Juventus, Milan, and Inter.
Despite several brushes with relegation—including a heartbreaking loss to Genoa in 2019 due to a single goal difference—the club remains a persistent force. They have even qualified for the UEFA Cup, though they famously failed to participate in the 2007–08 edition because management did not apply for the necessary UEFA licence. Their ability to survive in the top flight, such as their stoppage-time victory against Roma in the 2023–24 season, cements their status as a true underdog success story.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Empoli FC
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