Arezzo snatch victory after Empoli red card
Arezzo claimed a 1-0 win over Empoli at the Carlo Castellani on 11 September, taking all three points in Serie B's fourth round. The match turned on a red card and a moment of misfortune rather than sustained dominance. Empoli had looked comfortable until half-time, but everything shifted after Marco Curto's dismissal.
The first notable incident came at the 18th minute when Edoardo Biondini picked up a yellow card. Matteo Egan was then brought on for Empoli at the 25th minute, but the game's complexion changed sharply at the break. Curto was shown a red card at 45 minutes, leaving the hosts with ten men for the second half.
Arezzo made three changes around half-time, bringing on Arena, Biondini, and Cianci. The visitors pressed from the outset. At the 74th minute, Simone Romagnoli turned the ball into his own net, and that proved to be the difference. Steven Shpendi was substituted for Empoli at 68 minutes, but the damage was already done.
The statistics tell a different story than the final score. Arezzo held 56 per cent possession and registered 10 shots, though only 2 found the target. They created 2 big chances compared to Empoli's 0. The hosts had 6 shots with 2 on target, but their finishing was indifferent. Shots accuracy sat at 20 per cent for Empoli and 13 per cent for Arezzo — neither side was clinical.
Empoli's defensive output was heavier: 29 clearances and 4 blocked shots, while Arezzo managed 20 clearances and 5 blocks. The visitors attempted 30 crosses with 6 successful, against Empoli's 18 crosses and 7 successful. Arezzo also completed more passes (462 to 374) and showed greater penetration with 88 passes into the final third.
The result moves Arezzo off the bottom of the table, while Empoli remain in eighth place with 6 points. The hosts had won their previous two matches before this setback, while Arezzo's only victory came against Avellino. The visitors' recent 5-0 defeat to Verona hangs over them, but this away win provides a reprieve.
Empoli will rue their discipline and a defensive error that cost them the game. Arezzo, despite creating little, took their moment. The line has barely moved in the standings, but the momentum has shifted.
