Bari 2-1 Empoli: Serie B 2025-26 match report

Bari secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Empoli at the Stadio San Nicola on Thursday night, navigating a chaotic first half to eventually claim all three points in this Serie B encounter. In a match defined by tactical shifts and disciplinary setbacks, Moreno Longo’s side capitalized on their numerical advantage to overcome a resilient Empoli outfit.

The opening and the turning point

The match began with high intensity, as evidenced by Gerard Yepes picking up a yellow card for Empoli just three minutes into the contest. The visitors, set up in a 3-5-2 formation by coach Fabio Caserta, initially looked to impose themselves, but the complexion of the game shifted drastically midway through the first half.

In the 22nd minute, Empoli thought they had broken the deadlock, but a lengthy VAR review resulted in the goal being disallowed. The situation deteriorated further for the visitors only a minute later when M. Lovato was shown a straight red card, reducing Empoli to ten men for the remainder of the match. Forced into a structural reshuffle, Caserta withdrew G. Guarino in favor of E. Saporiti in the 29th minute to stabilize the backline.

Bari, playing in a 3-4-2-1, began to exploit the space left by the shorthanded visitors. Their persistence was rewarded in the 42nd minute when E. Rao found the back of the net, assisted by M. Dorval. However, Empoli demonstrated significant resolve, responding immediately before the halftime whistle. S. Shpendi leveled the score in the 45th minute, ensuring the teams went into the break on level terms despite the numerical disparity.

The decisive moment

The second half began with another moment of controversy when a penalty claim for Bari was overturned following a VAR intervention in the 48th minute. As the game progressed, the physical toll of playing with ten men began to weigh on Empoli. Both managers utilized their benches to inject fresh energy, with Bari introducing Tomás Esteves and Empoli rotating their midfield and defensive units to maintain defensive discipline.

The breakthrough for the hosts finally arrived in the 72nd minute. M. Dorval, who had already provided the assist for the opening goal, turned provider once more, setting up G. Maggiore to restore Bari’s lead. The goal forced Empoli to push forward in the closing stages, but they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a disciplined Bari defense.

Bari managed the final ten minutes effectively, utilizing late substitutions to kill the momentum of the game. Despite a yellow card for A. Cistana in stoppage time, the hosts successfully defended their lead to secure the 2–1 victory.

Looking ahead

For Bari, this result provides a significant boost to their campaign, demonstrating an ability to capitalize on tactical advantages and maintain composure during high-pressure moments. Empoli, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a difficult evening where a promising start was undone by early disciplinary issues.