The last piece in chronological order was placed with the return of the “prodigal son” Mattia Viti. The left-handed centre-back is coming off a less than fruitful season at Sassuolo and wants to relaunch himself in the environment that saw him grow. He represents the best solution for the post-Luperto era: Viti, like the former captain, is also left-handed and can become the leader of the defence. In defence, Empoli would be numerically fine, with at least two players per role, but it remains to be seen whether all the elements currently present will remain at D’Aversa’s disposal.
First, strengthen the midfield
In midfield, however, it is necessary to put phosphorus and quality. Empoli needs a mezzala with good feet, but also another one with quantity, as Maleh was last year. The Lecce player could return, as well as Zurkowski to provide quality and physicality. The construction site is still open, Gemmi is looking for the right midfielders to reinforce D’Aversa’s squad.
Second, find the right wingers for D’Aversa’s game
In attack, however, something has already moved with the arrival of Sebastiano Esposito on loan from Inter. Colombo is close but Fonseca would like him with him for the American tour, so the timing of his arrival has slowed down a bit. Empoli is also following Rigoberto Rivas, who remained a free agent after his experience in Turkey and would gladly return to Italy. He would be a winger functional to D’Aversa’s game, and this is precisely the most significant knot to untie: if he wants to continue using the canonical 4-3-3, the new coach knows that he needs at least a couple of short elements to place on the wing. The next few weeks will be decisive in this sense.