Verona secured their Serie A status with a crucial 2-1 away victory over Empoli, condemning the Tuscan side to relegation along with Venezia and Monza.
Heading into the final round, five teams were still battling to avoid the two remaining relegation spots alongside already-relegated Monza. Much of the drama unfolded at Stadio Castellani, where Empoli were missing several key players due to injuries after back-to-back wins. Verona had seemed safe a few weeks ago but were winless in eight matches.
Verona took an early lead within five minutes, as Suat Serdar fired in from the edge of the area. Empoli fought back and equalized through Jacopo Fazzini just before halftime. However, Verona regained the advantage in the second half when Domagoj Bradaric headed in a cross from Jackson Tchatchoua.
Despite Empoli`s efforts to find another equalizer, Verona held on for the vital win that secured their Serie A status for next season. The defeat condemned Empoli to relegation along with Venezia and Monza.
Match Summary
Empoli 1-2 Verona
Scorers: Serdar 4 (V), Fazzini 43 (E), Bradaric 69 (V)
The result means Verona will remain in Serie A next season, while Empoli drop down to Serie B after just one year in the top flight. It was a dramatic conclusion to the relegation battle on the final day of the Serie A season.