With Andrea Colpani still out and Dodo recuperating from surgery for appendicitis, the Viola were getting ready for the Conference League semi-final matchup with Real Betis when Moise Kean was once again sidelined due to a personal issue after missing the team's victory against Cagliari in the middle of the week. Empoli lost to Bologna 5-1 on aggregate in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Thursday, eliminating them from the competition. Christian Kouame, Youssef Maleh, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, Pietro Pellegri, and Szymon Zurkowski were all long-term absentees, while Liberato Cacace was suspended.
A cross-shot from Giuseppe Pezzella stung David De Gea's palms, and Empoli was unable to get the rebound over the line. Instead, Fiorentina seized the lead moments later thanks to a brilliant passing play that saw Albert Gudmundsson set up Yacine Adli to beat Devis Vasquez, who was charging at him, with an offside trap.