Empoli earned a prestigious 2-1 friendly victory over Paulo Fonseca’s Ligue 1 side Lille this afternoon, with goals from Roberto Piccoli and Ciccio Caputo.
The Tuscans concluded their pre-season training camp in Austria with this high-profile match and it started in the best possible way, as within 35 seconds Liam Henderson was brought down by Leny Yoro for a penalty, converted by Piccoli.
Liberato Cacace forced a save and Remy Cabella saw his potential equaliser deflected wide before Piccoli failed to make the most of an Emmanuel Gyasi assist.
New goalkeeper Elia Caprile had his gloves stung by Gabriel Gudmundsson after the restart and could do little to stop Cabella sent clear on goal by Carlos Baleba.
However, Caputo came off the bench and snatched the winning goal when Nicolas Haas robbed Andre in midfield and the veteran finished with a splendid lob.
Aaron Malouda’s shot was parried and Gyasi was unlucky not to add a third for Empoli when thumping the crossbar.
Empoli 2-1 Lille
Piccoli pen 2 (E), Cabella 61 (L), Caputo 76 (E)