Empoli
Empoli FC (EMP)
Overview
Empoli Football Club is an Italian club founded in 1920 in the Tuscan town of Empoli, located near Florence. Nicknamed gli Azzurri (the Blues) in reference to their characteristic blue jersey, the club plays in Italian Serie A and has forged a solid reputation as a training club. Empoli plays its home matches at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, a recently renovated 16,000-capacity venue.
Empoli particularly stands out for its youth academy, considered one of Italy's best. The club has trained and revealed numerous Italian and international football stars: Francesco Totti (Roma icon), Fabio Capello (legendary coach), Roberto Donadoni, Claudio Marchisio, or more recently Samuele Ricci and Mattia Destro. This training-focused philosophy allows Empoli, a modest-sized club, to rival Serie A's giants.
Despite limited means, Empoli has succeeded in maintaining itself regularly in Serie A thanks to technical and attractive football. The club maintains natural Tuscan rivalry with Florence and other regional teams. Empolitan supporters, though few compared to big clubs, are extremely loyal and create family atmosphere at Castellani. Empoli represents the model of human-sized Italian club that succeeds through intelligent management and excellent training.