An early M’Bala Nzola goal has given Spezia three points in their opening Serie A fixture, as Empoli failed to finish their chances.

Both sides were making their Serie A debuts under new coaches and with numerous new signings too. Spezia were missing figures including Janis Antiste, Kelvin Amian, Salva Ferrer and Viktor Kovalenko, while Koni De Winter was suspended for Empoli and Lorenzo Tonelli injured.

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Bartlomiej Dragowski rushed off his line to deny Mattia Destro one-on-one, while Mattia Caldara turned just wide from a corner and Dragowski parried Liam Henderson’s attempt from close range.

Spezia took the lead when Simone Bastoni’s through ball allowed M’Bala Nzola to spring the offside trap and fire through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Destro threatened again, turning inches wide after spinning his marker, while Henderson drilled just off target with Dragowski at full stretch.

Sam Lammers forced a save from Dragowski and Razvan Marin fired over, but Empoli were just too ineffective upfront.

Spezia 1-0 Empoli

Nzola 36 (S)

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