Saint_Lane Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 ★★★ Welcome To The FM16 Thread - Empoli FC ★★★ Empoli FC Club Logo - Currently playing in Serie A - The top tier of the Italian National League. INTRODUCTION The 2014-15 Serie A season was successful for Empoli, considering their finish in fifteenth place to avoid relegation ahead of Udinese, Atalanta, Cagliari, Cesena and Parma. With talent such as Mirko Valdifiori and Daniele Rugani and Manager Sarri now gone, the Empoli squad of 2015-16 looks very different today, as it did from one season ago. Last season was the first year since 2007-08 that Empoli competed in top-flight football. In Serie A, calcio fans witnessed a forward-thinking style of football where Sarri came up with creative formations, primarily with Italian players. His style was noticed, so when Rafa Benitez departed for Real Madrid, Napoli swooped in for his services. The Azzurri also off loaded a significant number of key players, including Valdifiori and Hysaj, who followed their coach to Napoli and Rugani, who completed his move to Juventus after playing with the club on multiple loan deals. Key forward, Francesco Tavano, who scored 63 goals in 118 appearances for Empoli also departed. Now with Empoli, YOU have the challenge to fill gaps from the transfer window and highlight the talent of existing players. Surviving relagation and establishing Empoli as a stable fixture in top flight Italian football is your agenda! WHO ARE EMPOLI? Empoli Football Club is an Italian professional football club based in Empoli in the province of Florence. Founded in 1920, it is part of a select group of Italian football clubs that do not belong a provincial capital city that have participated in the top flight, which it played in the 2014–15 season. For about 60 years Empoli remained an unremarkable club on Italian football arena. Constantly rotating between lower divisions, the team got their first run into Serie B in the 46/47 season. Only in 1986 did Empolie arrive in Serie A. However, their stay in the top-flight didn’t last for long: they were a footstep away from relegation in their debut season and finally got the boot finishing at the bottom of the 87/88 Serie A table. Since that time, Empoli had another 7 seasons in the top league, but the farthest they have climbed up to was the 7th place finish in the 2006/07 campaign which earned them a ticket to the 2007/08 UEFA Cup.In the 2008/09 campaign, the team found themselves in Serie B and compete in the second division to date. Despite the moderate success of their first team, Empoli is proud of its youth system which is considered one of the most prominent football youth academies in Italy. Moreover, such remarkable players as Antonio Di Natale, Daniele Adani, Ignazio Abate, Claudio Marchisio, Sebastian Giovinco and notable former player and a coach Luciano Spalletti had their spells at the club. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Lane Posted November 28, 2015 Author Share Posted November 28, 2015 HISTORYAugust 1920 Foot Ball Club Empoli and the football section Unione Sportiva Empoli were born. After the participation of a tournament in San Miniato, the two merged into a single local football club. Empoli's history was relatively obscure before the 1980s when they attained Serie B status. In 1986, this small-town club managed the remarkable feat of promotion to Serie A. Playing their first few home games in Florence, Empoli's Serie A debut resulted in a 1–0 win over Inter. Helped by a 9-point deduction from Udinese, they only just avoided relegation with only 23 points and 13 goals in 30 games. Empoli themselves received a 5-point penalty the following season, and were relegated despite an improved showing. They were relegated again to Serie C1 in 1989.They then spent several seasons in Serie C1 before returning to Serie B in 1996 and achieving a second successive promotion in 1997. With Luciano Spalletti at the helm, Empoli defied the odds to finish in 12th place and avoid relegation. Relegation the following year began a three-year stay in Serie B, in which time the club became renowned for nurturing its own outstanding young talent.Luca Antonini celebrates scoring versus Swiss outfit FC Zurich during Empoli's European debut.Promotions to Serie A in 2002 and 2005 have seen the club emerge as brave battlers against relegation. They ended the 2005-06 season in a respectable 10th place in top-flight. As a result of the Serie A match-fixing scandal at the end of that season, they gained qualification for the UEFA Cup for the following season, however bizarrely they did not play in it because the club management failed to ask for a UEFA License. In the 2006–07 season, the club gained once again qualified for the UEFA Cup.EMBLEMOriginally the Empoli F.C.’s emblem was round and consisted of two concentric circles with a blue shield and the letters E, F, C, and C superimposed in white. In the fascist period its appearance changes completely, becoming even pentagonal and white, with the letters P, N, F (in reference to the National Fascist Party). Special mention deserves the parenthesis of the ’80s, the white Spanish shield with a black winged donkey in the center, as well as the inscription in blue “Empoli F.C.” - We come finally to the current emblem, in use from 2013-2014 which is nothing but a pleasant restyling of the original, and includes the blue shield and the overlapped letters E, F and C.STADIOBuilt in 1923, the Stadio Carlo Castellani is currently the home of Empoli F.C. The grounds capacity is just shy of 17,000. The stadium is located in the sporting district of Empoli on the viale delle Olimpiadi.Inaugurated on September 12, 1965 the ground was dedicated to Carlo Castellani, former football player born in nearby Montelupo Fiorentino, who died prematurely after being deported to the concentration camp of Mauthausen. He still holds the record of the most goals for Empoli until this day.THE KIT FACILITIES & CLUB OVERVIEW Overview Nation: Italy Year Founded: 1920 Nickname: Azzuri Operating Status: Professional. Legends: M.Cappellini, F.Marianini & F.Tavano Icons: M.Maccarone, S.Baldini, L.Spalletti, L.Saudati, C.Coralli, D.Balli & V.Montela Derbies: None Fierce Rivals: Fiorentina (Local) Continental Competition: None. Media Prediction: 18th. Squad Personality: Loyal. Captain: Massimo Maccarone Vice-Captain: Lorenzo Tonelli Finances Finances: Secure. Estimated Value: £22.5m. Balance:£5.5m. Average Ticket Price: £21. Average Season Ticket Price: £229. Season Ticket Holders: 6,00. Debt: £5.25m Transfer Budget: £2.1m Wage Budget: £260k/pw. Facilities City: Empoli. Stadium: Carlo Castellani Capacity: 16,284 (All Seated). Year Built: 1965. Stadium Condition: Very Good. Surface: Grass. Corporate Facilities: Average corporate facilities. Training Facilities: Average training facilities. Youth Facilities: Good youth facilities. Youth Stadium: Stade Marcel Saupin. Training Ground: Centro Sportivo Montebor, Empoli Junior Coaching: Average junior coaching. Youth Recruitment: Average youth recruitment. In 1920-21, year of the foundation of the club, Empoli F.C.’s kit was even composed of a red shirt and red socks, with blacks shorts. In the fascist period, as it happened to other teams, Empoli changed colors. The black color became protagonistic and we found changes first in socks and shorts, then the shirt which was traversed by an horizontal blue stripe. At the end of WW2 the the colours changed again to a more positive yellow strip and black accessories. Finally settling on the current scheme - The beautiful blue with white decorations that we know today for his uniform home, clean white colours for the away kite, and the black third kit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Lane Posted November 28, 2015 Author Share Posted November 28, 2015 Portieri (Goalkeepers)[23] PELAGOTTI ALBERTO: An academy graduate, will be your backup and number 2 to Skorupski. Starting his 10th season with Empoli but has yet to make an impact and claim that No.1 spot[1] PUGLIESI MAURIZIO: The 38 year old is a suitable reserve keeper. Starting his second season with the Azzuri and yet to make a senior appearance. Lacks quality to challenge for a first team sport. [28] SKORUPSKI LUKASZ: The Polish keeper on loan from Serie A rival AS Roma will be your number 1 for the first season. There is no agreed future fee option, so finding a solid 1st choice keeper after his departure back to Roma will be a priority. Champions league experience to boot (Against Man City no less).Skorupski number 1. But only a loanee from AS Roma. Get scouting and line up a decent keeper for next season. Pelagotti is a suitable deputee. Difensori (Defenders)[19] BARBA FEDERICO: (DLC) 3 seasons at Empoli having made a dozen or so appearances in the last 2. Lacks top flight quality but is happy playing in the squad support role. [6] BITTANTE LUCA: (WB/RL) Bittante is a promising Wingback who will develop into a solid player over the coming season. Give him play time and he will begin to challenge for a first team spot. [31] CAMPORESE MICHELE: (DC) Similar molde to Barba, lacks some crucial quality to nail down a first team spot but is happy as backup. Play time and tutorship may allow him to develop. [24] COSIC UROS: (DC) First season at Empoli. Played sporadically for Frosinone in 2014. Solid back up defender. Will be required if you wish to play with a flat 3 at the back. [15] COSTA ANDREA: (DCL/WBL) Solid center back joining on a free after the capitulation of Parma last season. Willl be first choice along side Tonelli. Pray they both stay fit. [4] DERMAKU KASTRIOT: (DC) The 23 year old is not strong enough for a spot in the first time. Age is no longer on his side and he has not developed enough to warrant a first team place in the future. [2] LAURINI VINCENT: (DR) The French right back is down some what in the pecking order as Zambelli & Bittante will limit the play time he receives. Will grow restless first season as unhappy to be a bench warmer. [21] MARIO RUI SILVA DUARTE: (D/WB/ML) First choice left back. Starting his 3rd season with Empoli, was a key player in the last 2 campaigns ensuring Empoli's promotion & subsequent survival.[26] TONELLI LORENZO: (DC) Good centerback. Starter alongside Costa. Academy graduate and good all round player. [3] ZAMBELLI MARCO: (D/WBR) Will scrap with Bittante for a starting slot a RB. Joined from Brescia after 13 seasons of service. Only his 3rd in the top flight. A fair bit of deadwood to contend with on your first season. First choice options are strong enough for a mid table challenge but strengthening will be needed in coming seasons.Centrocampisti (Midfield)[77] BUCHEL MARCEL[11] CROCE DANIELE[6] DIOUSSE ASSANE[33] KRUNIC RADE[13] MAIELLO RAFFAELE[32] PAREDES LEANDRO[12] RONALDO POMPEU DA SILVA[5] SAPONARA RICCARDO[17] ZIELINSKI PIOTR[20] PUCCIARELLI MANUELAttaccanti (Attackers)[39] LIVAJA MARKO (ST) The 22 YO Croation is on Loan from Rubin Kazan. He is a capable player and will definitely be in your thoughts for a first team place. He wont be happy sitting on the bench and will be capable of pushing Maccarne & Pucciarelli for a first team slot. [7] MACCARONE MASSIMO (ST) The 36 year old veteran and club favorite still has 1 more season in him. I say that every edition. He does though. Solid stats and a good football player. Can drop deep and play as a deep lying forward or play of the shoulder of the oppositions defence. His ability to find the net will really impact the level of success you have in your first season.[9] MCHEDLIDZE LEVAN (ST) The Georgion Target Man is a solid player. Starting his 8th season with the Azzuri, he doesn't have a history of scoring many goals but is a solid enough player. Is somewhat down the pecking order and will grow discontent very quickly if not playing alot of first team football. Primary problem is you are likely to be playing a narrow formation with Empoli (1st Season at least) and he is best employed as a Target Man, so unless you are going route one fitting him in is tricky.[22] PIU ALESSANDRO (ST) The highly rated 18yr old is one for the future. Shows great potential and will develop into a good player if tutored properly. Get him out on loan first season as play time is crucial.KEY PLAYER[video=youtube;4BJKslKLFQE] Ricky SaponaraEmpoli made approximately 12 million euros from the number of important players leaving the squad. However, the team only spent 5 million euros. Many fans are now being left with feeling that Empoli have not found any valuable replacements in their starting XI. On the upside, important players like Saponara and Tonelli will remain with the club and a loan deal from Roma will have Lukasz Skorupski wear the Azzurro jersey. The Polish goalkeeper should help the back line as he has experience playing in Champions League competition last season.Massimo Maccarone will be the key to the attack, as avoiding relegation will be determined by how well he can find the back of the net. The veteran striker has been with the Club since 2012 and has 50 goals in 131 appearances. Important players this campaign will also include Center Backs Tonelli & Costa - The defensive unit will suffer in their absence, so managing them and keeping them fit will be essential.Diousse is a wonderkid. At just 17 he was playing regularly in the Empoli center midfield. He is strong and imposing and possess all the credentials to be a top class midfielder. He will attract a lot of attention from high profile clubs straight from the start of the game so tie him down on a nice contract early. Parades & Ricky Sap will be your creative outlets and much depends on their fitness levels staying strong.Now in their second consecutive season in Serie A, Empoli have to realize that they are no longer the “fairytale” team who are the new kids at the table. Considering the newly promoted sides are ready to fight for a place in Italy, Carpi and Frosinone, Empoli have a lot of competition to avoid relegation this year. With the lack of reinforcements during the transfer window and the loss of Sarri, it will be a long and competitive season for the Florentine Club.HOT PROSPECTFull name: Assane Diousse El HadjiDate of birth: 20.09.1997Age: 17 YearsNationality: SenegalHeight: 175 cmPosition: Midfielder, Defensive midfielderCurrent team: Italia EmpoliDiousse starts as a Defensive Midfielder. His key attributes are his fitness, work rate & pressing ability. He is best employed as a deep lying playmaker and is a capable passer of the ball - but for Empoli this season and last he is a very versatile midfielder who can fill a few roles. At just 17 he was a key player for Empoli in their impressive return to Serie A last season. Big clubs such as Munich & Juventus will come sniffing very early in game, make your first job (yes before the press conference) tieing him down with an improved deal..MARCO OLIVIERIOlivieri at just 16 is young & promising attack minded player. Similar to Diousse he will garner strong interest from major clubs including PSG & Ath Mad. at the start of the season so lock him down with a professional contract as soon as possible. Again with exposure, training and playing time I have no doubt Marco will develop into a world class forward player. He has potential to play out wide or through the middle. Developing him early to guide his stats would be beneficial. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Lane Posted November 28, 2015 Author Share Posted November 28, 2015 Incoming Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Lane Posted November 28, 2015 Author Share Posted November 28, 2015 Serie A - MatchesBiggest Win: 10:0 Vs Fiorentina (1939) : HistoricBiggest Win in a Cup Final: Biggest Win in Champions League: Most Possession in a Match: 71% Vs Carpi 2015/16 : SaintLaneMost Games Won in Row:Most Matches Without Losing: (5) 2015/16 : SaintLaneMost League Goals Scored in a Season: Least League Goals Conceded in a Season: Serie A- PlayersMost Goals in a Season: Eder (27) 2010/11 : HistoricMost League Goals in a Season:Most Assists in a Match: Saponara (3) Vs Carpi 2015/16 : SaintLaneMost League Assists in a Season: Most Goals in a Match: Luca Cecconi Vs Ancona (1985) : HistoricHighest Transfer Fee Received: £8.5m - Massimo Maccarone To Middlesborough : HistoricHighest Transfer Fee Spent: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Lane Posted November 28, 2015 Author Share Posted November 28, 2015 That's all for tonight (28/11) - Will get this polished off tomorrow! By all means get cracking on your saves and let us know how you are doing! #FORZAEMPOLI Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Lane Posted November 30, 2015 Author Share Posted November 30, 2015 Empoli FC - Mid Season Review 15/16Here we are and Christmas is around the corner! Overall I am pleased with the strong if not slightly inconsistent start. When my first XI are on the field the football is strong and disciplined. Saponara and Pucciarelli can really make things happen. Diousse has been ever present and is solid for me as a deep lying playmaker. We've had some fantastic highlights including wins away to Fiorentina and Napoli and some frightful lows (A 5-1 drubbing from a Balotelli inspired AC Milan <- This guy has 18 goals in 16 league games!). Formation wise i've settled on a narrow 4-3-1-2; It is solid and compact. It plays to the strengths of the team, your best players are all central & you lack quality wide players so a narrow approach has really worked. I've been found out a couple times against teams who play with AMR/L and attacking fullbacks, Bittante & Rui cannot cope and often get overun. I've been able to counter this by setting them to [Full Back - Defend] and have the 2 wider CM's on defensive duties with specific PI's to close down the opposition wide men to alleviate the pressure. So as the Winter Break starts we are currently sat in 5th place:Juventus look sensational - Unbeaten in the league and in Paul Pogba is a real handful proving to be the stongest player in the league (Behind Balotelli). HighlightWell thats easy. An away win against an unbeaten Napoli at the time. Pucciarelli and Saponara playing a major part for all 3 goals. The win was made all the more special as it came of the back of defeats at Home to Juventus & Away to AC Milan. Napoli fell asleep for 7 minutes as 2 swift counter attacks unlocked the Napoli back 5. I was really pleased with my teams ability to switch mentalities throughout the game. We started with a counter philosophy and stole 2 goals around the 50th minute mark. Swapping to a control philosophy as our confidence grew, along with it our possession and we bossed the game scoring a 3rd before Napoli drew one back. Sensing a comeback I switched philosophy again to play Defensive, and dropping much deeper, we managed to lock Napoli out and bag the 3 points at the San Paolo. HAVE IT RAFA!!!! FACTS!Star PlayerWell you guessed it, it's the ex Milan player Ricky Saponara. Playing as an AMC behind a front two, he links play with the 3 Central Midfielders behind him & he is able to pick space behind the opposition midfield. With Pucciarelli & Maccarone running off the shoulders off defenders he's been clinical with his assists and shooting boasting an Average rating of 7.25 this season picking up 4 MoM awards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kandersson Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Great thread! I'm a Fiorentina fan so I don't have much sympathy for Empoli IRL but I enjoy their style of play, especially Saponara who's such a big talent! I see he's performing really well for you (though he attempts much more dribbling in real life, sometimes a bit too much ), what role have you chosen for him? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Lane Posted November 30, 2015 Author Share Posted November 30, 2015 Great thread! I'm a Fiorentina fan so I don't have much sympathy for Empoli IRL but I enjoy their style of play, especially Saponara who's such a big talent! I see he's performing really well for you (though he attempts much more dribbling in real life, sometimes a bit too much ), what role have you chosen for him? Thanks Kandersson. Ha, you dont need sympathy - You are having a far better season! He does like to run with the ball, fortuanatly his 'Decision' making stat is pretty strong so it keeps his enthusiasm for it in check a little I think! I have him just as an AMC (Att Mid - Attack) role. I dont like too many specialized roles in the team, as I want a more fluid approach but it seems to suit him well. You playing as La Viola? How are you getting on? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kandersson Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 I have started a Fiorentina save as always, my rule is I can only sign players formerly from our club youth set-up, or born in Florence. Local lad Lorenzo Tonelli should be a strong target for CB but Empoli are asking for too much atm, we'll see... I want to build the team around our young No.10 Federico Bernardeschi, who's a bit like Saponara, just better (no, not really, at least not yet!) Good luck with your save, I'll keep an eye on this thread ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Lane Posted December 4, 2015 Author Share Posted December 4, 2015 This guy! Anyone else seen him in this form on their game? He's got 22 in 20. Scores every 70 minutes! Why all ways him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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