In the last two championship matches Empoli were defeated, but they absolutely did not demerit. The spectacular play of a single was decisive against Torino, and against Atalanta as well, although in this case it would be simplistic to focus solely on the overwhelming action of De Ketelaere who in the 85th minute brought the Dea back ahead. The fact is that in both challenges the team’s attitude is always the same: positive and proactive, courageous and decisive. Clear sign that the team is there and that, despite their young age, inexperience and full infirmary, they are not afraid of anything.
D’Aversa enjoys his group. Which is not made up of “prima donnas” but of footballers who made themselves available and immediately implemented his ideas. The basis of the success of a season is not only the squad available, but also how much this squad is willing to work with seriousness and application. Empoli had to deal with many emergencies, many small and large injuries, which in a team fighting for survival could be decisive. The group united and tried to overcome the difficulty of the moment together.
Certainly something will move in January. First of all, an attacker and a defender are missing, but Empoli must deal with a budget that does not require crazy spending. Once again the sporting director Gemmi will have to invent something to strengthen the squad. The sacrifice of a big man therefore becomes probable: the first suspect is Fazzini, who has many admirers and could follow in the footsteps of Ricci and Baldanzi, who in recent years have brought fresh money into the coffers during the winter transfer market. January could be the right month to get back some elements who have not yet taken the field (see Zurkowski and Ebuehi) and who could give a big hand in the second half of the season.