Match Report: Ascoli U19 1–2 Empoli U20 | Campionato Primavera 2
Saturday, 9 May 2026 – Kick-off 17:30

Empoli U20 secured a valuable away victory in the Italian Campionato Primavera 2, defeating Ascoli U19 2–1 at the Ascoli training ground. The result keeps the Tuscans firmly in the promotion playoff race, while Ascoli remain mid-table with only pride to play for in the final weeks of the season.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Empoli looked the sharper side, pressing high and forcing Ascoli into early errors. The visitors took the lead in the 22nd minute when midfielder Niccolò Boni collected a clearance on the edge of the box and fired a low drive past the helpless Ascoli goalkeeper. Ascoli responded well after the break, equalising through a well-worked set‑piece in the 57th minute, with centre‑back Tommaso Rossi heading home from a corner.

However, Empoli reclaimed the lead just ten minutes later. A rapid counter‑attack down the right wing ended with winger Lorenzo Tognetti cutting inside and finishing with a composed left‑footed strike into the bottom corner. Ascoli pushed for a second equaliser in the closing stages but lacked the final ball to trouble the Empoli defence seriously.

Key Moments

• 22' – Boni opens the scoring with a crisp strike from distance.
• 57' – Rossi levels with a powerful header from a corner kick.
• 67' – Tognetti restores Empoli’s lead with a clinical counter‑attack finish.
• 85' – Ascoli substitute Edoardo Ferri sees a close‑range effort saved by Empoli keeper Marco Belli.

Tactical Story

Empoli’s 4‑3‑3 dominated the midfield battle, with playmaker Davide Rinaldi pulling the strings. Ascoli’s 3‑5‑2 struggled to cope with the wide movement of Empoli’s forwards, often leaving gaps between the wing‑backs and centre‑halves. After going behind, Ascoli switched to a back four and found more stability, but the defensive reshuffle also disrupted their attacking rhythm.

Standout Players

• Lorenzo Tognetti (Empoli) – A constant threat on the left flank; his goal and overall movement earned him man‑of‑the‑match honours.
• Niccolò Boni (Empoli) – Scored the opener and provided energy in central midfield.
• Tommaso Rossi (Ascoli) – A commanding presence at the back and netted the equaliser.

Table Impact

Empoli’s victory lifts them to fourth place in the Primavera 2 standings, three points behind third‑placed Pisa with two games left. Ascoli remain ninth, safe from relegation but unable to climb higher. For the visitors, the three points keep alive hopes of reaching the promotion playoff final.