Last season, Empoli were expected to drop back down to the second tier as they fielded a side full of veteran journeymen alongside largely unheard of young guns. However, the magical Maurizio Sarri guided the club to a very credible 15th place as they made their return to Serie A after six years away from it.
Having already out-done last year's media predictions it became a "what next?" kind of situation for the Azzurri. The Tuscan outfit were expected to build on the 15th place finishing and aim for a solid mid table finish. However, these expectations were quickly dashed as Sarri departed for the vacant Napoli job and took two of the 2014-15 season's stars in Mirko Valdifiori and Elseid Hysaj with him. Furthermore, it was confirmed that Daniele Rugani's stay at the Stadio Carlo Castellani would not be extended with Juventus reportedly keen to integrate him into the first team with immediate effect.
How it's been so far
Sarri's successor Marco Giampaolo's Serie A managerial career was presumed over with his last top flight gig with Cesena going anything but swimmingly, being sacked just a few months into the season. Many were rightly skeptical about the appointment but it has, as yet, proved a piece of shrewd business by the Empoli board. Giampaolo has turned heads taking the club within touching distance of the European places going into the winter break.
The club started off shaky and really struggled to find form at the early stages of the season but it looks like they've found their winning forumla and sticking with it. Just five points separate themselves in joint 7th ( with Sassuolo ) and 5th placed Roma, who've went off the boil and look nothing like the team that finished runners up last term. Going into the winter break, Empoli have won four of their last five and are on a four game straight winning streak. They are undoubtedly exceeding expectations and long may it continue as far as anybody connected with the club is caring.
Key Players
There's been many a key player for the team this season from Lukasz Skorupski inbetween the sticks, hard-as-nails defender Lorenzo Tonelli, dynamic midfield duo Piotr Zielinski and Riccardo Saponara to free-scoring veteran forward Massimo Maccarone.
Despite having the second most goals against in the top ten, it's still hard to knock Skorupski, who is on loan from Roma. The 24-year-old has played a starring role particularly in the aforementioned run in to the winter break.
Moving forward, Lorenzo Tonelli has gained many plaudits for his performances this season and has been tipped for a move elsewhere, including Sarri's scudetto dreaming Napoli. Tonelli has spent his whole career with Empoli and is a favourite amongst fans for his hard work and determination.
Loan star, Piotr Zielinski has been one of the best young talents across the league as a whole. The 21-year-old is showing maturity and ability well beyond his years and should be someone Empoli push to keep permanently come summer time.
Riccardo Saponara has largely been the focal point of Empoli and the driving force in the team not only this season but last season as well. Forever being linked with a move away, it's clear to see Saponara is highly rated and has many admirers.
Club captain Massimo Maccarone may well be the eldest in the squad but he certainly isn't showing his age with masterclass performances coming regularly. Big Mac as he is colloquially known has directly contributed to ten goals so far this season scoring seven and assisting three. Maccarone's experience is also something that hasn't been undervalued with him being an ideal role model for youngsters in the team. The 36-year-old has already stated he wishes to play at least until he's 40 but whether that'll be with Empoli is another question with little over six month remaining on his current deal.
Where can they strengthen in January?
Where they'll strengthen largely depends on who they keep a hold of. Saponara and Tonelli are both heavily linked with moves away which would give the club plenty money to spend on replacements but the club may instead look to securing all loanees on permanent deals instead. Furthermore, Maccarone's future may well be made clearer.
Where can they realistically finish?
Empoli have surprised many by doing so well and had largely been tipped for the drop and it appears safe to say that they'll avoid it again this year. Realistically, European football should be the aim for the club but they shouldn't be disheartened if they finish within the top 10 because afterall, its a big improvement on last season which itself was regarded a big success.
Empoli have three tricky ties in their first five back after the break against Inter, Milan and Napoli respectively. They're yet to face Inter this season but have faced the latter two, losing to Milan but they were however able to pick up a superb draw with Napoli.
