Empoli has ended the season in a positive fashion, defeating Torino 2-1 at the Stadio Castellani on Sunday evening, in Massimo Maccarone’s and coach Marco Giampaolo’s farewell match.
In the final game of the season between two teams void of any more objectives, the home side went ahead after 12 minutes thanks to Massimo Maccarone. Torino reacted by hitting the woodwork twice, but Empoli found the 2-0 on 54 minutes with Piotr Zielinski. Moments later Torino got one back with a header from Joel Obi, but from then on the pace of the game slowed down again.
After a very slow start, a lovely Riccardo Saponara pass put Maccarone in the position to do what he does best and score the opener, his 13th of the season, equaling a personal record.
Empoli then controlled the sphere, but little happened in the middle part of the first half.
It was Marco Giampaolo’s men to go close to their second, with Zielinski’s shot on 31 minutes saved by Daniele Padelli.
Torino reacted only moments later, with Bruno Peres concluding on target but finding 39-year-old Maurizio Pugliesi on his way.
On 39 minutes the Granata went close to the equalizer through a beautiful free kick by Davide Zappacosta that finished on the post.
Just before the end of the first half, Daniele Baselli was forced to leave the pitch injured, with Marco Benassi replacing him.
Benassi was immediately decisive, as he assisted Josef Martinez, whose shot hit the crossbar.
The second half started at a faster pace, with Empoli going close to the second, and then finding the goal with an incredible Zielinski finish from a great back-heel touch.
Giampiero Ventura’s men responded immediately however, with Obi heading home a Zappacosta cross which served to up the game.
On 57 minutes Pugliesi was great to stop Benassi from equalising, and moments later he also comfortably saved a Peres curler.
The game slowed down again, as the lack of motivation amonsgst the two sides became apparant.
Torino tried slightly harder to get something from the match, but couldn’t do enough to make it so.
Empoli put in a solid performance to see off their fans, whilst Torino said goodbye to Ventura with yet another disappointing result.
