Empoli FC is a professional Italian football club based in Empoli, Tuscany, currently competing in Serie B. The team plays its home matches at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. Founded in 1920, the club's colors are azure blue. Empoli is renowned as one of Italy's most respected provincial clubs, famous for its exceptional youth academy and attractive, possession-based style of play. Their peak eras have been defined by promotions to Serie A, where they often punch above their weight. A particularly memorable period was the mid-2000s, which included a Coppa Italia semi-final and a UEFA Cup qualification. The club's modern identity is built on a model of developing young talent—both from their own academy and through smart scouting—before selling them for profit to sustain the club. Players like Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Ismaël Bennacer, and Guglielmo Vicario have flourished at Empoli before moving to top clubs. Recently relegated from Serie A, the current era sees them as a leading contender for promotion back to the top flight, continuing their cycle of nurturing future stars. The team enjoys strong local support and a reputation for playing intelligent, progressive football.