Empoli soundly defeated Palermo 3–0 on Sunday afternoon in Serie A at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
Empoli piled more pressure on Palermo, who have yet to win in Serie A this season. Goals from Massimo Maccarone and Lorenzo Tonelli in the first half, and Manuel Pucciarelli in the second sealed a commending win over the Rosanero.
Empoli immediately took control of the game from the starting whistle. Maccarone gave the hosts the early lead in the fourth minute, converting Mario Rui’s cross from close range. Palermo did their best to get back in the game but it was mostly Empoli who remained dangerous. Simone Verdi was particularly troublesome on the day.
Empoli soon made the break at the half hour mark. It was Tonelli who rose highest at the center of the box to head in the cross from the corner-kick, giving Empoli a sound 2–0 lead going into halftime.
The second half resumed in very much the same manner the first had ended. Verdi continued to torment Palermo, peppering their goal with shots, whilst it was Paulo Dybala who attempted his best to keep the Rosanero’s head above water. His efforts were ultimately in vain however. On the hour mark, Pucciarelli collected Mirko Valdifiori’s through-ball and fired in his team’s third goal.
Empoli controlled the rest of the game, confiscating possession and remaining dangerous throughout. Francesco Tavano — who had come on as a substitute for Maccarone — thrice was denied a goal as Palermo managed to keep the score to 3–0.
Empoli thus grabbed their first win of the season, whilst Palermo remain winless in their six attempts so far.
