Padova 2-2 Empoli: Serie B thriller ends level at Stadio Euganeo

Padova and Empoli shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Euganeo on Saturday 7 November 2026, bringing a lively Italian Serie B encounter to a fittingly dramatic close. The hosts twice fought back from behind, with Marco Perrotta’s late equaliser cancelling out Empoli’s second-half lead and ensuring neither side could claim all three points.

For Empoli, it was a night of frustration after twice getting themselves into promising positions. For Padova, the comeback underlined the resilience that has made them difficult to beat on home soil. The point keeps both sides in the thick of the Serie B standings conversation, with Empoli still eyeing the promotion places and Padova eager to build momentum in mid-table.

Match overview

Empoli started the brighter of the two sides, pressing high and forcing Padova into a series of early clearances. The visitors’ reward arrived in the 12th minute when Matteo Viti latched onto a loose ball just inside the penalty area and guided a low finish beyond the Padova goalkeeper.

Padova responded well rather than folding. Their midfield began to win second balls, and the equaliser came in the 31st minute through Alberto Tronchin, who arrived late at the back post to convert a deep cross. Empoli regained the lead shortly after the break when Riccardo Fazzi capitalised on a quick transition, but Padova kept pushing and found their reward six minutes from time when Perrotta headed home from a corner.

Key moments

• 12th minute – Empoli take the lead: Matteo Viti reacts quickest inside the box and finishes low into the corner.
• 31st minute – Padova equalise: Alberto Tronchin meets a deep cross at the back post and steers it home.
• 58th minute – Empoli restore their advantage: Riccardo Fazzi breaks through on the counter and converts calmly.
• 84th minute – Padova level again: Marco Perrotta rises highest from a corner and powers a header past the Empoli goalkeeper.

Tactical story

Padova set up in a 3-5-2, looking to use their wing-backs to stretch Empoli and get extra bodies into the box. That approach left them exposed at times in transition, particularly when Empoli’s front three pressed aggressively and forced turnovers in midfield. Empoli’s 4-3-3 gave them good width, but they struggled to manage the game after taking the lead for the second time.

The decisive tactical shift came late on when Padova pushed an extra midfielder into the box and committed more players to set pieces. Empoli dropped deeper in response, and the pressure eventually told through Perrotta’s equaliser. It was a reminder that in Serie B, game management is often just as important as attacking quality.

Standout performers

Tronchin was central to Padova’s best attacking moments, combining energy in midfield with a timely goal. Perrotta’s late header made him the hero of the night, while Padova’s goalkeeper produced an important save early in the second half to keep the deficit manageable. For Empoli, Viti and Fazzi were the brightest attacking threats, but the visitors will rue their failure to close out the match.

What the point means in the Serie B table

The draw adds another point to both clubs’ tallies as the Serie B season gathers pace. Empoli remain in the promotion conversation, but dropped points in games like this can prove costly over a long campaign. Padova, meanwhile, will take confidence from twice coming from behind against one of the division’s stronger squads. The Serie B standings remain tight, and both sides know that consistency between now and the spring will determine whether they are fighting for promotion or looking over their shoulders.