Empoli: injuries and absences slow down D'Aversa's team

It is simplistic to look at a ranking and draw hasty conclusions. In these times, much has been heard and much discussed. There has always been an attempt to justify absences, not to find alibis and not to look for excuses. But the truth - which is right before our eyes - tells us something else, showing us with facts and concreteness one of the main causes why theEmpoli struggled so much in the second half of the season: the injuries and absences. A team, that of D'Aversa, which for most of the championship had to take to the field with alternatives, with players positioned in roles different from their characteristics and with players who had to grind out minute after minute to make up for absences.

Absences that have taken away for a long time fundamental, important, crucial players for the economy of the squad. Players that in this final part of the championship we are returning to see: Ismaili, Anjorin e Fazzini above all. The strength, leadership and confidence of the Albanian; the quality and shots of the Englishman and all the technique, vivacity and versatility of the 2003 class.

And in this seasonal sprint this is exactly what was needed. Finding victory again, finding confidence and finding the consistency and plays of its most important men. It is no coincidence that of the last five goals scored by Empoli, only the names of Fazzini and Anjorin ended up on the scoresheet, who until this Saturday had brought only one point to the Azzurri cause despite their high-level performances. The Empoli midfielder himself underlined this aspect, considering himself satisfied that his goal was decisive.

"Finally my goal brought the three points, we had wanted it for a long time." Fazzini, who in addition to his personal joys, is finding a consistency of performance that we haven't seen since the beginning of the year. 412 minutes played in the last five games, a lot of running and a lot of substance that show in him a sense of belonging and helping the team. Even against Parma he came first for total kilometers covered (11.701), not bad for a player who in addition to the offensive and finishing phases has also taken care of varying and helping all over the field.

Then, there is Anjorin. There is a real sense of regret about the Englishman, for a continuity never found due to the many – multiple – physical problems. Due to injury he missed 13 games, he returned last April 20 after an absence of about two months, immediately finding the net against Venezia.

Then the starting lineup against Fiorentina, the relapse, and the forfeit at home against Lazio. He returns from the bench again and scores another decisive goal with another ballistic blow that could be very heavy in terms of salvation. In this final, even if his condition is not at its best, his presence - even if limited - could be decisive.

Niccolo Pistolesi