Empoli - Cremonese

Empoli and Cremonese kick off their Serie B season on 22 August 2026 at Stadio Carlo Castellani. Both sides enter this matchday 1 encounter following recent cup action that provided contrasting momentum. Empoli arrive after a competitive 1-1 draw against Pisa on 17 August 2026, a result that tested their resolve early in the new campaign. Meanwhile, Cremonese head into the opening weekend with confidence after securing a solid 2-0 victory over Sampdoria on 17 August 2026.

This fixture renews a rivalry that has seen several tight contests in recent years. Their history includes a series of Serie B meetings, most notably a high-scoring 3-2 win for Empoli in March 2020. As both teams look to establish an early foothold in the division, the question remains whether Empoli can leverage home advantage or if Cremonese can maintain the defensive discipline they displayed in their most recent outing.