Match Summary
Spezia and Empoli drew 1:1. The match was played in Serie B 2025. Goals were scored by G. Artistico 69′, E. Saporiti 90′ (pen.). 6 yellow cards were shown. Spezia had 52% possession while Empoli held 48%. Spezia had 17 shots (4 on target) compared to 10 (4 on target) for Empoli. Expected goals: Spezia 1.36 — Empoli 1.51. Spezia made 4 substitutions, Empoli made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Gabriele Guarino 90′).
Match Events
Key match events between Spezia and Empoli — 2 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
assist: G. Aurelio
Penalty
Match Statistics
Spezia had 52% possession against Empoli's 48%. Spezia registered 17 shots (4 on target) while Empoli managed 10 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 7–1. Fouls committed: 17–19.
Lineups
Spezia lined up in a 3-5-1-1 formation under Roberto Donadoni, while Empoli deployed a 4-4-1-1 under Fabio Caserta.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Spezia is 6.72, compared to 6.95 for Empoli. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Spezia's highest-rated starter is G. Artistico (6.91), while Empoli's best-rated player is S. Elia (7.19).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Spezia have contributed 11 goals and 3 assists this season, led by G. Artistico (8G). Empoli's starters account for 15 goals and 10 assists, spearheaded by S. Shpendi (10G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Spezia deploy 3 defenders rated 6.80 on average, against Empoli's 4-man backline averaging 6.91. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Spezia field 5 midfielders averaging 6.63, versus Empoli's 4 rated 6.94. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Spezia start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.91, compared to 2 for Empoli averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Discipline
Spezia's starters have collected 12 yellow cards this season, compared to 25 for Empoli. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Spezia's starting XI is 26.8 (youngest: G. Artistico (23), oldest: A. Nagy (30)), while Empoli average 24.0 (youngest: G. Guarino (21), oldest: A. Fulignati (31)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Spezia's starters average 18 league appearances each, versus 25 for Empoli. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Spezia have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Empoli show 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Spezia
Empoli
Head to Head
Spezia and Empoli have met 1 times — Spezia won 0, Empoli won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 2 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.00 per match (1 for the home side, 1 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–1 in 2025.
0
Spezia
1
Drawn
0
Empoli
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 23 Mar 2026