Verona defeated Empoli in Serie A

By defeating Spezia in the relegation play-off, Hellas narrowly escaped the drop and entered this match unsuspended. Marco Davide Faraoni, Isak Hien, Thomas Henry, and Ajdin Hrustic were all injured, along with newcomer Michael Folorunsho, who was inserted right away into the starting lineup. Jacopo Fazzini and Daniel Maldini were missed by the hosts.

Razvan Marin's blistering shot from Empoli nearly gave them the early advantage, but Lorenzo Montip fingertipped it onto the crossbar. Later, Ciccio Caputo stung the goalkeeper's gloves. Tommaso Baldanzi sent Emmanuel Gyasi up for a goal, but he mishit his attempt over the crossbar. Although Josh Doig couldn't control his volley at the back post and Marin almost missed with a free kick, Verona took the lead somewhat against the flow of play. Ondrej Duda's corner kick caused Elia Caprile to flinch, and replacement Federico Bonazzoli was the most quick to respond by turning in from six yards out at the back post.