Empoli-Venezia: Challenge at Castellani with referee Davide Massa

Tomorrow Empoli e Venice will face each other for the 17th time at Castellani, in all competitions, with a record that smiles on the Azzurri thanks to 6 wins to 4 with 6 draws. The last Azzurri success in front of their home crowd dates back to March 17, 2008, when Andreazzoli's team prevailed 3-2 in Serie B: Donnarumma's goal in the 73rd minute was decisive after Falzerano and Litteri had responded blow for blow for the lagoon team to the two Azzurri goals by Luperto and Rodriguez. The challenge has often been played between Serie B and C, with Empoli still chasing their first victory in the top division. The balance of the five previous Serie A matches, in fact, speaks of three draws, the last one the 1-1 in the first leg at the Penzo, and two victories for Venezia: 2-1 in Empoli on 11 September 2021 (Bajrami shortened the gap at the end after goals from Henry and Okereke) and 3-2 in the lagoon on 20 January 1999 at the end of a sensational comeback after the initial brace by Di Napoli.

As for the refereeing of tomorrow's match, the international referee has been entrusted Davide Massa, with which the Azzurri have a favorable record: 8 wins with 5 draws and as many defeats. This is the second seasonal refereeing after the recent one at Marassi against Genoa, which ended 1-1 with the rossoblu equalizing right at the end. But above all Massa evokes pleasant memories in the Azzurri fans for having refereed Empoli-Roma last May, when the Azzurri won 2-1 and celebrated the historic third salvation.