Empoli Stadium Guide: Stadio Carlo Castellani

Located halfway between Florence and Pisa, Empoli lacks its neighbours’ iconic landmarks and is often overlooked by visitors to Tuscany.

Similarly, the Stadio Carlo Castellani seldom features among the must-see stadiums in Italy, but a trip to Empoli is a great chance to take in some calcio action without much hassle.

Opened in 1965, the Castellani – or the Carlo Castellani Computer Gross Arena to give its full name – is a fairly basic ground with a capacity just north of 16,000.

A temporary stand was built in 1983 following Empoli’s promotion to Serie B, which was then replaced by a permanent stand in 1990 and the Curva Nord was extended in 1997.

But the Castellani is set to undergo a major overhaul, with Empoli joining the ever-growing list of clubs redeveloping their grounds.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of your visit.

What Makes it Special?

The Castellani is fairly open but still a rather intimate stadium. For now, the athletics track divides the stands from the pitch, but that doesn’t stop the passionate fans from creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The view from the top of the main stand is spectacular, and worth the admission fee alone.

How To Get There

The nearest airports to Empoli are Florence and Pisa, and both cities are well connected by train to Empoli.

You can reach the Castellani in about 15-20 minutes on foot from Empoli’s train station. Alternatively, you can take bus number 49 from just outside the station in the direction of Lamporecchio Capolinea. However, this also takes around 15 minutes.

Map

Neighbourhood Tips

If you need a bar or two around the Castellani before making your way into the ground, then you’re covered. Empoli has several options for places to eat and drink around the ground, something even bigger cities and stadiums often lack.

Athletic Bar inside the ground and is a dine-in establishment, serving salads, pasta and everything in between, or you can grab a drink or a coffee if that’s all you’re after.

Bar Stadio on Via delle Olimpiadi is another place to go if you just want a quick beer or coffee and to hear the chatter of Empoli fans pre- or-post-game in a no-frills setting. Here, you can have an espresso and croissant, or a sandwich and beer.

Need To Know

Unlike just about every other side in Italy, Empoli’s ultras sit not behind the goal, but along the side in the lower part of the main Maratona stand. They moved there in 1997 at the request of then-coach Luciano Spalletti, who wanted to create a more intense atmosphere. They’ve remained there since.

Tickets

Tickets for Empoli games can be bought online at Vivaticket in the days leading up to games.