EMPOLI, Italy (Interstat) — Empoli FC opened its Serie B campaign with a decisive 4-2 win over visiting Pescara on Sunday at Stadio Carlo Castellani - Computer Gross Arena.

Forward Steven Shpendi scored twice for Empoli, including the opener in the ninth minute. Defender Matteo Lovato added a first-half goal before substitute Antonio Di Nardo delivered a decisive brace, scoring in the 41st and 47th minutes. Pescara’s Daniel Fila scored a late consolation goal in the 80th.

The match was marred by a red card shown to Pescara’s Gennaro Acampora in the 13th minute, forcing the visitors to play a man down for the majority of the contest. The result defied a pregame projection that had forecast a 2-2 draw.