Empoli 1, Mantova 0

MANTOVA, Italy (Interstat) — In a result that defied pregame projections, Empoli FC opened its Serie B campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mantova on Sunday at Stadio Danilo Martelli. The match, a physical and often disjointed affair settled by a second-half substitute, saw the visiting side secure three points despite being heavily forecast for defeat. Statistical analysis firm Interstat had given Mantova a 69.4 percent probability of winning and projected a 2-1 final score in its favor. The game’s lone moment of quality arrived in the 67th minute and was orchestrated by Empoli’s substitutes. Gabriele Guarino, who had… Read more...