Empoli 0-0 Como 1907: Highlights, Result, and Analysis
Match Summary
Empoli and Como 1907 shared the spoils in a goalless draw, playing out a stalemate at the Stadio Carlo Castellani in Serie B action on Saturday.
Both sides had chances to win the game, but neither could find the decisive goal and ultimately had to settle for a point apiece.
Empoli started the match brighter and should have been ahead inside the opening 10 minutes when Liam Henderson fired over from close range.
Como grew into the game as the half wore on and had their best chance just before the break. However, Cesc Fabregas' free-kick cannoned off the crossbar, and Patrick Cutrone's rebound effort was blocked on the line.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with both teams having half-chances but failing to find a breakthrough.
Empoli thought they had won it late on when Tommaso Baldanzi found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check.
Post-Match Reaction
Empoli manager Paolo Zanetti
"I'm disappointed with the result but not the performance," said Zanetti. "We created enough chances to win the game, but we just couldn't find the finishing touch. We need to be more clinical in front of goal, but I'm confident that we can turn things around."
Como manager Moreno Longo
"I'm happy with the point," said Longo. "We knew it would be a tough game, and Empoli are a good side. We defended well and had a few chances of our own. I think a draw was a fair result."
Player Ratings
Empoli
- Guglielmo Vicario: 7 - Made some good saves to keep Como at bay.
- Tyronne Ebuehi: 6 - Solid defensively, but offered little going forward.
- Sebastian Luperto: 6 - Made some important blocks and clearances.
- Petar Stojanovic: 6 - Neat and tidy in possession but was sometimes caught out of position.
- Liberato Cacace: 6 - Got forward well and created some chances.
- Liam Henderson: 5 - Missed a great chance in the first half and was generally quiet.
- Nicolas Haas: 6 - Busy and energetic in midfield.
- Kristjan Asllani: 6 - Showed some nice touches and passing range.
- Tommaso Baldanzi: 6 - Had a goal ruled out for offside but otherwise had a quiet game.
- Martin Satriano: 5 - Led the line well but failed to find the target.
- Mattia Destro: 5 - Had little impact on the game.
Como 1907
- Stefano Gori: 7 - Made some important saves, including a stunning stop to deny Satriano in the second half.
- Alessandro Salvi: 6 - Defended well and got forward to support the attack.
- Matteo Solini: 6 - Solid and dependable in central defense.
- Luca Vignali: 6 - Made some timely interventions and interceptions.
- Paolo Faragò: 6 - Energetic and creative down the left flank.
- Cesc Fabregas: 6 - Showed his class on the ball and created some good chances. However, he missed a great opportunity from a free kick just before half-time.
- Filippo Nardi: 6 - Dictated the tempo of the game from central midfield.
- Leonardo Mancuso: 6 - Worked hard up front but was unable to find the target.
- Patrick Cutrone: 5 - Had a few chances but couldn't find the finishing touch.
- Alberto Cerri: 5 - Had little impact on the game.
- Alessandro Gabrielloni: 5 - Came on as a substitute but failed to make a significant impact.
