Coppa Italia: Empoli surprises Fiorentina on penalties and qualifies for quarterfinals

Coppa Italia: Empoli surprises Fiorentina on penalties and qualifies for the quarters

Empoli beats Fiorentina on penalties and qualifies for the Italian Cup quarterfinals. At the Franchin in the evening of the tribute to Edoardo Bove, viola and azzurri tied 2-2 in regulation time of the Tuscan derby, and è decisive the lottery of penalties that finally rewards the team of D'Aversa: in the next round the Empoli will faceà the winner of the match between Juventus and Cagliari.

Fiorentina conceded a cold goal on 4': Martinez Quarta lost the ball and Ekong did not forgive in front of Terracciano, putting the visitors ahead. The hosts reacted, on 17' Kean gobbled up the equalizing goal by hitting the crossbar from a few steps, in the final half Sottil hit a safe shot but found the body of Marianucci. At the beginning of the second half, Palladino plays the Richardson and Ikoné cards, the Viola insist and after a chance by Beltran at 59'they find the equalizer with Moise Kean, the fastest of all on a short rebound by Seghetti on Sottil's earlier shot.

On 71' came the lily-colored team’s overtake, Sottil breaking through on the left and with a right-footed shot giving Empoli’s goalkeeper no chance, signing the 2-1 also thanks to an unintentional deflection by Gosens. The evening seemed to be going downhill for the Viola but D'Aversa’s team did not give up: just 6 minutes later, Esposito scored the 2-2 on Henderson’s assist with a beautiful lob.

Fatigue sets in in the finale for both teams, who fail to find the winning shot and avoid penalty kicks. From the penalty spot, errors by Ranieri and Kean are fateful for Fiorentina: Empoli qualifies for the quarterfinals.