Empoli staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Sudtirol 2-1 in a fiery Serie B encounter defined by late goals, fierce discipline, and a remarkable show of resilience at the Stadio Marco Druso. With Sudtirol reduced to ten men inside the opening minutes, the Tuscan visitors capitalized on their advantage late, snatching a precious win that may well alter their season’s trajectory.

The match’s narrative shifted almost immediately: Sudtirol’s R. Kofler was shown a straight red card in the fifth minute, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb for the remaining 85 minutes. Empoli, with numerical superiority, pressed forward, but Sudtirol’s defensive structure held firm until just before halftime.

Against the run of play, Sudtirol stunned the visitors when E. Pecorino broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, finishing neatly from M. Coulibaly’s clever assist. The ten-man hosts erupted, buoyed by their lead and the passionate home support, as Empoli struggled to carve open a disciplined back line.

Empoli’s response after the interval was immediate. The visitors introduced L. Belardinelli, B. Moruzzi, and E. Saporiti at halftime, injecting fresh energy and attacking intent. Sudtirol, meanwhile, made dual substitutions at the hour mark to reinforce midfield stability. But Empoli’s pressure proved decisive: in the 60th minute, S. Shpendi latched onto an incisive pass from R. Ilie and slotted past Adamonis, restoring parity and reigniting Empoli’s hopes.

Yellow cards began to pile up as both sides fought for control in a tense second half, with cautions for M. Adamonis (67'), J. Ceesay (80'), and G. Guarino (87'). As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, Sudtirol’s resistance seemed destined to earn a share of the spoils. Yet Empoli’s persistence paid off deep into stoppage time. In the 96th minute, M. Nasti delivered the decisive blow, burying the winner and sending the away end into raptures.

Sudtirol’s frustration boiled over as S. Tronchin received a yellow card in the ninth minute of added time, the final act in a contest marked by its intensity and drama. The victory lifts Empoli, still striving for consistency after a stuttering start to their campaign, while Sudtirol, who had not kept a clean sheet in eight matches, will reflect on what might have been had their ranks stayed at full strength.

For Empoli, the manner of their victory—seized in the dying seconds—could prove pivotal. For Sudtirol, the early dismissal and late heartbreak will linger as a lesson in Serie B’s unforgiving nature. As both teams look ahead, the implications of this result are as much psychological as they are mathematical, with Empoli building crucial momentum and Sudtirol grasping for answers in discipline and durability.

Highlights and extended match recap are available from select verified sports channels on YouTube, including those with over 50,000 followers such as the official Serie B channel and major sports broadcasters, providing comprehensive footage of the dramatic late turnaround and key events.