Empoli 0–2 Vicenza | Serie B | 23 October 2026

Result Summary

Vicenza claimed a commanding 2–0 victory away at Empoli in Serie B, with Nicola Rauti opening the scoring in the 20th minute and Giulio Pellizzari sealing the points late on in the 85th. The result was a deserved one for Fabio Gallo's side, who dominated the attacking metrics throughout the afternoon and capitalized decisively on Empoli's numerical disadvantage following a red card in the second half.

Match Analysis

Vicenza were the more threatening side from the outset, and it showed on the scoreboard early. Rauti's 20th-minute opener, set up by Andrea Papetti, gave the visitors a well-timed lead that shaped the entire contest. Despite Empoli holding 52% possession, Vicenza were more purposeful in their attacking play, registering 19 total shots compared to Empoli's 13, and generating 48 dangerous attacks versus just 33 for the hosts.

The match's defining moment arrived in the 55th minute, when Empoli's Marco Curto was dismissed for a professional foul as the last man. That red card effectively ended any realistic hope of a home comeback and allowed Vicenza to manage the game on their terms. Empoli's coaching staff responded with a flurry of substitutions — Steven Shpendi, Luca Belardinelli, Filippo Di Stefano, and Lapo Deli all entered in an attempt to reshape the attack — but the numerical deficit proved too great to overcome.

A VAR check involving Cristian Cauz in the 62nd minute added a brief moment of uncertainty, though it did not alter the game's trajectory. Deli was cautioned in the 73rd minute, compounding Empoli's disciplinary woes. Vicenza were not without their own indiscretions — Riccardo Marchizza and Lorenzo Caferri both picked up yellows — but these were minor blemishes on an otherwise disciplined away performance.

Pellizzari's 85th-minute strike, assisted by substitute Loris Zonta who had only entered two minutes prior, put the result beyond any doubt and underlined Vicenza's clinical efficiency. Despite Empoli registering 5 shots on target to Vicenza's 3, the hosts could not convert their opportunities when it mattered, whereas Vicenza's composure in front of goal proved decisive. Both sides completed 78% of their passes, suggesting the outcome was settled by mentality and execution rather than technical superiority.

Prediction Review

Our pre-match forecast of a 1–1 draw proved incorrect, with Vicenza winning convincingly by two goals to nil. The model assigned a 27.5% probability to the draw and 31.5% to a Vicenza win, meaning an away victory was a legitimate scenario within the analysis — just not the primary one. The confidence level of 50/100 reflected genuine uncertainty, which in hindsight was well-founded. What the model did not fully account for was Vicenza's attacking efficiency and the impact that Empoli's red card would have in reshaping the match. The statistics ultimately vindicated Vicenza's superiority, even if the scoreline took until late to fully reflect it.

Key Takeaways

• Vicenza's early goal set the tone and allowed them to dictate proceedings throughout.
• Curto's red card was the turning point that eliminated any hope of an Empoli revival.
• Vicenza's attacking volume — 19 shots, 48 dangerous attacks — highlighted clear dominance in the final third.
• Pellizzari's late goal, created by substitute Zonta, demonstrated excellent bench impact from coach Fabio Gallo.
• Empoli's Matteo Andreoletti faces questions about his side's lack of cutting edge, particularly with 10 men.