Fiorentina triumphed 2-1 in the Tuscan Derby, thanks to a stunning bicycle kick from Rolando Mandragora and a crucial goal from Yacine Adli, further condemning Empoli to the brink of relegation.
As Fiorentina geared up for their Conference League semi-final clash against Real Betis, they were without Moise Kean, who was once again absent due to personal reasons, following his missed appearance in the midweek victory over Cagliari.
Andrea Colpani remained sidelined due to injury, and Dodo was still recovering from appendicitis surgery.
Empoli, fresh from a disappointing 5-1 aggregate loss to Bologna in the Coppa Italia semi-finals, faced more challenges.
Empoli was also missing several key players, with Liberato Cacace suspended and long-term absentees including Christian Kouame, Youssef Maleh, Nicolas Haas, Saba Sazonov, Pietro Pellegri, and Szymon Zurkowski.
In a dramatic early moment, David De Gea’s gloves were stung by a cross-shot from Giuseppe Pezzella, but Empoli couldn’t capitalize on the rebound.
Instead, it was Fiorentina who took the lead after a slick passing move. Albert Gudmundsson set up Yacine Adli, who outran the offside trap and slotted past the advancing Devis Vasquez.
Empoli managed to get a foot in the door with Jacopo Fazzini’s header just before half-time, but the goal was ruled out after Solbakken failed to stop the ball from going out for the assist.
Fiorentina’s second goal was a moment of brilliance, Mandragora, controlling Adli’s cross with his right foot, executed a remarkable bicycle kick with his left, finding the back of the net from 10 yards.
Empoli’s response came in the second half when a cross from the right by Goglichidze allowed Sebastiano Esposito to lay it off to Fazzini, who finished expertly first-time from 12 yards.
De Gea made a remarkable one-handed save to deny Gudmundsson’s curling effort, while Robin Gosens hit the side-netting after receiving an assist from Nicolò Zaniolo.
Empoli threw everything they had at Fiorentina in the final stages, with Viktor Kovalenko testing De Gea with a powerful shot that stung the goalkeeper’s gloves. Despite their best efforts, Fiorentina held on to secure the vital 2-1 win.
