Empoli started their Serie B campaign with a convincing 3-1 home win over Padova on Saturday, August 24th, 2025. Playing at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, the hosts demonstrated their quality and intent to make an immediate return to Serie A with a dominant first-half display. Empoli raced into a two-goal lead with incisive attacking play, leaving Padova shell-shocked. They added a third goal before the interval, seemingly putting the game beyond doubt. Padova showed more spirit in the second half and managed to score a consolation goal, but Empoli controlled the tempo and saw out the victory comfortably. The three points and positive performance provided the perfect launchpad for Empoli's season, signaling their status as a prime promotion candidate. For Padova, it was a tough lesson in the quality required at this level.