AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-20 21:05 UTC
Empoli and Cremonese open Serie B campaigns at Stadio Carlo Castellani
The new Serie B season begins this Saturday as Empoli and Cremonese meet at the Stadio Carlo Castellani for their opening matchday. Both sides enter the fixture with distinct recent experiences, having navigated different competitive paths to reach this starting point of the campaign.
Empoli’s search for consistency
Empoli concluded their previous league run with a mix of results, including a 1-0 victory over Avellino and a 2-2 draw away to Monza. Their preparations for this new term included a 1-1 draw against Pisa in the Coppa Italia last Sunday. Stiven Shpendi remains a focal point for the side, having demonstrated his scoring touch with five goals across his last nine appearances.
Cremonese’s transition and defensive steel
Cremonese arrive at the Stadio Carlo Castellani following a period in the top flight, which ended with a 1-4 defeat to Como in May. However, they have shown encouraging signs of defensive stability, keeping clean sheets in five of their last ten outings. Their competitive sharpness was on display last Sunday as they secured a 2-0 win over Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia.
Expected lineups and team news
For the hosts, Jacopo Seghetti is expected to start in goal behind a defensive unit featuring Joseph Ceesay, Lorenzo Tosto, and Marco Curto. The attacking threat will likely be spearheaded by Salvatore Monaco, Filippo Distefano, and Edoardo Saporiti. Cremonese will be without the suspended Alberto Grassi, forcing a tactical adjustment in the middle of the park.
Cremonese are expected to field Andrea Fulignati in goal, with a defensive line-up of Giuseppe Pezzella, Sebastiano Luperto, Matteo Bianchetti, and Alessandro Vogliacco. The midfield trio of Michele Collocolo, Simone Lottici Tessadri, and Fabio Gerli will look to provide service for forwards Federico Bonazzoli and David Stueckler.
Historical context of the rivalry
Meetings between these two clubs have often been tightly contested affairs. In their most recent encounter in April 2023, Cremonese claimed a narrow 1-0 win in the top flight, reversing the result of their previous meeting in November 2022, which Empoli won 2-0. Their history in Serie B also features high-scoring games, including a 3-2 victory for Empoli in March 2020.
The opening tactical challenge
As the curtain rises on matchday 1, the primary question is how each side will adapt to the rigours of the new season. Empoli will look to leverage the home crowd to build momentum, while Cremonese will aim to maintain the defensive discipline that served them well in their recent cup success. With both teams looking to establish an early foothold, the tactical battle in midfield will likely dictate the flow of the match.
Cremonese
4-2-3-1
● Confirmed
9
↓65′
De Luca
18
↓19′
Collocolo
90
Bonazzoli
27
Vandeputte
8
Lottici Tessadri
16
Gerli
38
Vogliacco
15
Bianchetti
5
↓82′
Luperto
3
Pezzella
1
Fulignati
Bench (9)
Salvatore Elia ↑19′ · Tommaso Berti ↑65′ · Marco Nasti ↑65′ · Yuri Rocchetti ↑82′ · Marco Festa · Federico Agazzi · Fellipe Jack · Francesco Folino · Dachi Lordkipanidze
Coach · Marco Giampaolo
Confirmed by FIFA officials.
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