Empoli Youth secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Perugia Youth in the Italian Primavera Cup on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, with a second-half goal proving enough to settle a tightly fought knockout encounter. The win sends Empoli into the next round of the Coppa Italia Primavera, while Perugia exit knowing they pushed their hosts all the way.

Match overview

Empoli Youth controlled much of the possession from the opening minutes, using a high press and quick switches of play to pin Perugia Youth back. The visitors responded with a disciplined 4-4-2 block, keeping their shape and looking to spring counter-attacks through the wide channels. The first half produced few clear chances, but Empoli's dominance in midfield was evident as they recycled the ball patiently and forced a series of corners.

Perugia's best moments came on the break, with their front two working hard to hold up play and bring runners into the game. However, the final pass repeatedly eluded them, and Empoli's goalkeeper was rarely tested before the interval. The hosts went in at half-time feeling they had laid the platform for a breakthrough, while Perugia were satisfied to have kept the game level.

Key moments

The deadlock was finally broken in the 63rd minute. Empoli worked the ball neatly down the left flank before a low cross was only half-cleared to the edge of the penalty area. Lorenzo Moretti controlled the loose ball, shifted it onto his right foot and guided a composed finish into the bottom corner, leaving the Perugia goalkeeper with no chance.

Perugia responded with their most positive spell of the match, pushing more bodies forward and forcing two smart saves from the Empoli goalkeeper in the final 15 minutes. A late header from a corner flashed just wide, and a goalmouth scramble was cleared desperately by the Empoli defence. Despite the pressure, the hosts managed the closing stages with maturity and held on for a clean sheet.

Tactical story

Empoli Youth's 4-3-3 formation was designed to dominate the ball and create overloads in wide areas. Their full-backs pushed high, allowing the wingers to drift inside and combine with the central striker. The midfield trio dictated the rhythm, winning second balls and recycling possession quickly. The introduction of fresh legs in the second half added energy and helped Empoli maintain their pressing intensity after the goal.

Perugia Youth set up to frustrate, defending in a compact 4-4-2 and looking to hit on the counter. Their back four stayed deep and narrow, conceding possession in harmless areas but limiting space in behind. The plan worked for long periods, but the quality of Moretti's finish proved the difference. Perugia's late switch to a more attacking shape created chances, but it also left gaps that Empoli might have exploited on another day.

Standout performers

• Lorenzo Moretti (Empoli Youth): The match-winner showed excellent technique and composure for the goal, and his movement between the lines caused Perugia problems throughout.
• Empoli Youth goalkeeper: Made two crucial second-half saves and commanded his area well from set pieces, preserving the clean sheet.
• Perugia Youth central defender: Produced a brave and disciplined display, winning numerous headers and blocking shots before Empoli finally found a way through.
• Empoli Youth midfield anchor: Broke up play effectively and kept the tempo high, ensuring the hosts retained control even during Perugia's late surge.

Cup impact

The result means Empoli Youth progress in the Italian Primavera Cup, a competition that offers young players valuable knockout experience and a chance to test themselves against some of the best academy sides in the country. For Perugia Youth, the narrow defeat will be disappointing, but their organised performance and late fightback will provide encouragement for the remainder of their league campaign.

Empoli will now look ahead to the next round, where the margin for error narrows further. On this evidence, their blend of possession football, tactical discipline and individual quality makes them a dangerous opponent in the Coppa Italia Primavera. Perugia, meanwhile, can take heart from a resilient display that kept the tie alive until the final whistle.