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Empoli FC may not be a top team in Serie A, but in the world of football betting, they are a familiar name to players who know how to analyze the depth of the squad and the history of the club. Understanding the best players who have played for Empoli - from famous strikers to quiet pillars - will help players have more important data to predict more accurate odds. The Empoli best players shared by Bet Win Tips below not only make the team's history but are also the key to helping investors better grasp Empoli's performance in each period.
List top 7 Empoli best players
Below is a list of the 7 best players in Empoli FC history, who have contributed significantly to the brand and success of the Tuscan team.
Top 7: Riccardo Saponara
Riccardo Saponara is one of Empoli’s standout academy products, playing for the club during two periods (2009–2013 and 2015–2017) with a total of 24 goals in 123 appearances. He is one of the rare creative midfielders in the club’s history known for his modern playing style, ability to control the tempo, and deliver killer passes. Under coach Maurizio Sarri, Saponara developed significantly and became an indispensable figure in the squad that helped Empoli earn promotion and maintain stability in Serie A.
For sports betting, Saponara was often a tactical asset for bettors focusing on assist markets, "most chances created," or over-goals bets. Matches featuring Saponara usually saw open, fast-paced play with many scoring opportunities. He also had the ability to score from midfield runs ideal for bets on goals from outside the box or second-half goal scorers. His unpredictability made Empoli games harder to predict, causing bookmakers to be cautious when setting deep markets.
Top 6: Giovanni Martusciello
Martusciello played for Empoli from 1999 to 2007, accumulating 160 appearances and 13 goals. While not having standout stats, he played a key role in shaping Empoli’s attacking style under coaches Silvio Baldini and Luigi Cagni. As an attacking midfielder with strong tactical awareness, Martusciello knew how to unlock defenses with smart passes and intelligent off-the-ball movement. After retiring, he stayed connected to Empoli, serving as head coach in the 2016–17 season and currently as an assistant coach for the Italian national team.
For bettors, Martusciello offered value in assist markets and tactical-related bets such as ball possession or total shots. When he coached Empoli, the team’s possession-based style and central focus often resulted in favorable betting outcomes against weaker opponents. His tactical adjustments made live betting in the second half more effective for experienced bettors tracking the team’s play under his guidance.
Top 5: Antonio Buscè
Antonio Buscè is among Empoli’s longest-serving players, appearing in 248 matches and scoring 23 goals mainly from the wing. He was instrumental during Empoli’s Serie A campaigns in the early 2000s, known for his energy, pace, and technique. Buscè was not only tactically important but also an inspirational figure, continuing with the club post-retirement as a youth academy coach.
For bettors, Buscè was a player who could surprise in corner kicks, assists, or "first assist" markets. Empoli’s strong wing attacks, especially when Buscè started, often led to a high number of corners an often overlooked but profitable betting market. In closely matched games, Buscè frequently created dangerous crosses, supporting bets on headed goals or second-half total goals.
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Top 4: Davide Moro
Davide Moro might not have grabbed headlines, but he holds the record for the most appearances in Empoli’s history with 324 matches from 2002 to 2015. A hardworking, reliable central midfielder with strong organizational skills, Moro was the backbone of Empoli’s stability during their transitions between Serie B and Serie A. He controlled match tempo, supported the defense, and maintained balance in the team’s play.
From a betting perspective, Moro rarely featured in goal-scoring markets but was crucial in influencing match outcomes. With Moro on the pitch, Empoli generally showed better ball control and fewer goals conceded key for under bets or clean sheet wagers. Experienced bettors knew Empoli games with Moro tended to be tighter, less volatile, and suitable for small handicap or correct score bets.
Top 3: Antonio Di Natale
Before becoming a Udinese and Serie A legend, Antonio Di Natale had an important spell at Empoli, where he emerged as a top striker. Scoring 55 goals in 174 appearances, Di Natale played a vital role in Empoli’s promotion to Serie A in 2001–02. His excellent technique, close ball control, and versatile finishing made him the team’s main attacking threat. Empoli’s style then was fast and creative, with Di Natale as the focal point.
In betting terms, Di Natale was a solid pick for over/under goal markets or Asian handicap bets involving which team scores first. Empoli often outperformed expectations at home during his time, appealing to bettors who liked halftime/fulltime or live bets. His individual brilliance also made specialty bets like goals from outside the box or direct free-kicks potentially profitable when tracking his form closely.
Top 2: Francesco Tavano
Francesco Tavano is Empoli’s all-time top scorer with 120 goals in 312 matches. Known for two-footed finishing, intelligent off-the-ball runs, and dangerous set-piece ability, Tavano was a constant threat to any defense. He played a key role in bringing Empoli back to Serie A in the early 2000s and kept the club competitive in following seasons. After stints at Valencia and AS Roma, Tavano returned to Empoli and quickly regained form, helping the team reach new milestones.
For bettors, Tavano was often a go-to choice in markets like "anytime goalscorer" or "first goal scorer." Those betting on Empoli during his era knew that if the team scored, Tavano was likely the source. Over/under bets featuring Tavano’s presence often presented good value due to his ability to create scoring opportunities even in low-profile situations. Empoli’s attacking performances led by Tavano frequently surpassed bookmaker expectations, attracting sharp bettors.
Top 1: Massimo Maccarone
Massimo Maccarone is synonymous with Empoli’s highs and lows. Across two spells (2002–2005 and 2009–2017), he played 289 matches and scored 94 goals. More than a striker, Maccarone was a passionate leader and warrior on the pitch. His return in 2009 was pivotal in Empoli’s promotion and Serie A survival. With consistent finishing, cold-blooded scoring inside the box, and stable form, Maccarone was the ideal "team-carrying player" for bettors.
For football bettors, especially those focused on player goal markets or Asian handicap team wins, Maccarone was a goldmine. During his peak seasons, Empoli were often rated above expectations, particularly in level or underdog bets with attractive odds. Betting on Empoli when Maccarone played typically yielded steady returns for those who carefully analyzed his form and influence on match results.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at the Empoli best players not only helps fans better understand the football value that this team has built, but also brings many useful lessons for sports bettors. When you know who has made a deep impression, who has a great influence on the team's performance, it will be easier for you to analyze the squad, choose the right odds and make wise betting decisions in matches with Empoli.
