After just three draws in the previous eight games, which included a 2-1 loss to Verona that left them one point off the bottom, the Tuscans fired Aurelio Andreazzoli. Their only home win came against Salernitana in September, and they hadn't won since losing to Napoli away in November. The comeback specialist Nicola was forced to start new signing Alberto Cerri right away in the starting lineup in place of suspended Matteo Cancellieri, injured Francesco Caputo, Simone Bastoni, Tyronne Ebuehi, Ardian Ismajli, Gabriele Guarino, and Giuseppe Pezzella.
When a Razvan Marin cross was deflected up into the air, it unintentionally provided an assist for the incredible right-foot volley from the edge of the box by Zurkowski, giving the hosts the lead. The goal marked his second in as many games since his Spezia return to Empoli.