Empoli Youth opened their 2026-27 Campionato Primavera 1 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over Como U19 on Sunday, 23 August 2026. A solitary second-half goal proved enough to secure all three points at the Azzurri’s youth headquarters, giving the Tuscan side an early statement of intent in Italy’s top youth league.

Match overview

In a tightly contested opening-day fixture, Empoli Youth controlled possession for long periods but found Como U19 a disciplined and well-organised opponent. The visitors, who finished strongly in the previous campaign, were compact out of possession and looked dangerous on the counter-attack, yet it was the hosts who showed greater composure inside the final third when it mattered most.

The decisive moment arrived in the 63rd minute. A quickly worked move down the right flank saw Empoli’s wide forward cut inside onto his stronger foot and deliver a low cross into the penalty area. The ball broke kindly to an onrushing midfielder, who swept a first-time finish beyond the Como goalkeeper to spark celebrations among the home supporters.

Tactical story

Empoli Youth set up in their familiar possession-based system, looking to build patiently from the back and create overloads in central midfield. Their full-backs pushed high, pinning Como’s wingers deep and allowing Empoli’s attacking midfielders to drift into half-spaces between the lines.

Como U19, by contrast, adopted a more reactive approach. They defended in a narrow 4-4-2 block, inviting Empoli to have the ball in non-threatening areas before springing forward through their quick forwards. That game plan almost paid off in the 78th minute, when a blistering counter-attack forced a sharp save from the Empoli goalkeeper, who tipped the effort around the post to preserve the clean sheet.

Key moments

• 63' – Goal: Empoli Youth break the deadlock with a composed close-range finish following a low cross from the right.
• 78' – Big save: Como U19’s best chance is denied by an impressive one-handed stop from the Empoli shot-stopper.
• 89' – Late pressure: Como push forward in search of an equaliser but Empoli’s defence, marshalled by their captain, holds firm through four minutes of stoppage time.

Standout players

Empoli’s match-winner was the clear standout, demonstrating excellent movement inside the box and the composure to finish the game’s only real chance of quality. His tireless pressing also set the tone from the first whistle.

At the other end, the Empoli goalkeeper deserves significant credit. Although relatively untested for the first hour, his crucial stop midway through the second half proved the difference between a win and a draw. For Como, their central defender produced a commanding performance, winning numerous aerial duels and making several well-timed tackles to keep the scoreline respectable.

Season impact

Victory sends Empoli Youth into the early season standings with three points, providing a confidence boost ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. The clean sheet will also please the coaching staff, who have emphasised defensive solidity throughout pre-season.

For Como U19, the defeat is a frustrating result after a spirited display, but the performance offered plenty of positives. Their defensive organisation and counter-attacking threat will serve them well as the campaign progresses, and they will look to bounce back quickly in their next league outing.

With the opening round now complete, both sides will turn their attention to the challenges ahead in what promises to be another fiercely competitive Campionato Primavera 1 season.