With only one point separating them, this was a struggle for relegation that all the other clubs were watching closely. With their victory over Lecce under new manager Fabio Cannavaro, the Friulani gave themselves optimism, although they were without Gerard Deulofeu, Sandi Lovric, Enzo Ebosse, Florian Thauvin, and Marco Silvestri. The last remaining Empoli absentee was Tyronne Ebuehi. The hosts had an instant issue when Brenner had to move aside and Isaac Success arrived, holding the back of his right leg.

Sebastiano Luperto made a strong move to stop Lorenzo Lucca from nodding in a cross, and Elia Caprile finger-tipped over the Walace shot as the play proceeded. Alberto Cerri was hurt when he returned to the starting lineup for Empoli, but in minute 36, they managed to get the ball in the goal.