Kiwi Players Elsewhere

Liberato Cacace (Wrexham | Wales)

1572 replies · 367,067 views
23 Oct 23:33 · edited 24 Oct 00:05 · History
Nice win for Empoli, who needed to start getting on with some results.

Also good to see them get a couple of goals this morning too, although in matches I've seen of them they've been a little unlucky to not have bagged a few more goals and have a few more points in the bank. Such is football though.

For what it's worth, Fabiano Parisi lined up at LB/LWB for Fiorentina - Remember him? The perennial Libby blocker of the last couple of seasons who went down the road for €10 million in the off season. 
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24 Oct 09:39
Highlights here.
I must say I am not an expert at defending crosses, but doesn't Libby sit too close to the CF in the first couple of Fiorentina chances? He's a touch too far from his man who almost gets the goal twice.

I've noticed this before, but always chalked it up to tactics. Now I'm just confused.
I get how diagonal runs work, but usually the full back will go into a CB position when the CB has gone wide to...in these instances, there is already a CB marking the striker...
Thoughts?


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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30 Oct 18:59 · edited 30 Oct 18:59 · History
3-0 down in the 70th minute, yet Cacace's actually had quite a good game, mostly going forward. Quite slow on the second goal conceded (don't like how these lapses/errors are stacking up) but some excellent crosses, balls forward, and some tricky runs including many fouls won and a cheeky nutmeg or two. Been mentioned quite a bit this game, lot of play down Empoli's left
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30 Oct 22:40
It ends 3-0 to Atalanta. Full game and a yellow card for Libby.
He got a 5.5 rating and was singled out as one of the best in his team.
Empoli back in the relegation zone although only on goal difference.
Next up is Frosinone who gave up a 3 goal lead at Cagliari and lost 4-3 (all in the space of 20 min!) on the weekend. They are certainly a contender in the fight to avoid relegation 

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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06 Nov 19:34 · edited 06 Nov 19:34 · History
Subbed on at 77min with Empoli down 2-0. They crawl one back 9 minutes later through Ciccio Caputo, but Frosinone hold out for a very important 2-1 win.
Empoli drop to 19/20 though only 2 points away from 17th (safe from relegation) spot.
Next up a tough game away at Napoli. A good chance for Libby to say hello to some relations, but realistically Empoli will need a small miracle to get out of the Maradona with any points.

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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12 Nov 11:11 · edited 12 Nov 11:55 · History
Libby starts. His first run on at the intimidating Maradona?

He's up against Azurri national team RB Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who broke into Serie A at an older age than Libby, when he was with Empoli season they got promoted 17/18.
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12 Nov 13:32
Cacace given 96 odd minutes as Empoli snatch a stoppage time winner at Napoli! 

Fewer away fans than the Fever celebrate in the rain.

A fantastic vote of confidence in Cacace. And a famous win for Empoli. 

He’s also playing with Maldini. The second son of the famous Paolo was combining with him down the wing.  Wonder if Dura can get an autograph of his dad?


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12 Nov 20:39
I watched this game. First time this season I have seen Libby play. Must say he was impressive.    He completely looks the part for a Série A player. He was excellent on attack with several drives down the flank and some good centres. He also did his job on defense. He has matured into a good pro. Even if Empoli get relegated this season he would be picked up by another Serie A club IMO. However Empoli are now out of the relegation zone. If they keep playing like this they could well stay up.
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12 Nov 23:11
Yeah I watched the game too, and he was absolutely fantastic. Without a doubt his best Empoli game, and against his childhood club too. Had Politano in prison
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14 Nov 04:11
Empoli's upset is likely to cost Rudi Garcia the Napoli job

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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14 Nov 05:06 · edited 14 Nov 05:09 · History
From highlights looks like Berisha in goal for Empoli had a huge game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC6kAecHH4I

I know squat about the Italian football, but found it interesting that Giovanni Di Lorenzo the Napoli RB came into Serie A at an older age than Cacace (with a promoted Empoli) and now he's in the Italian national team. So don't rule out Libby getting to one of the bigger Italian clubs one day. Hopefully he locks in the starting LB role now until season end.

The shortest travel trip for any AW this week to Athens?  Champness similar I guess.
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14 Nov 23:39
He must have played well. Him & the Empoli GK make Serie A TOTW.

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15 Nov 05:24
That is huge.
coochiee
He must have played well. Him & the Empoli GK make Serie A TOTW.

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26 Nov 15:15
Any idea what the red spot on the left cheek is that a number of the players and the managers are sporting? 


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26 Nov 17:10
It's an initiative aimed at raising awareness about violence against women. They do it fairly regularly in Serie A.
Sadly, last week yet another young woman was murdered by a jealous boyfriend, so they must have wanted to send a signal.

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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26 Nov 18:46
In 5 games they’ve beaten Napoli and Fiorentina, but lost to everyone else. Topsy-turvy stuff!


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02 Dec 18:01
Full game for Libby in a 1-1 draw.
Gets a respectable 6.8 in sofascore, too.

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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02 Dec 19:33
newzealandpower
Full game for Libby in a 1-1 draw.
Gets a respectable 6.8 in sofascore, too.

Was scanning the results in the dark- the goal Ca__ce….Cancellieri! Ah well. 


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11 Dec 20:50
Rides the pine in a 1-1 draw. Empoli stay out of the relegation zone (albeit by a single point).
Next up is Torino (11th).

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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16 Dec 20:33
Started and scored, but ruled offside! 1-0 down at the half. Cacace’s was their second disallowed goal so far
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22 Dec 21:00
Riding the pine in a 2-0 loss. Tough season for Empoli who can't replicate last year's very respectable league campaign.

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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22 Dec 22:08
newzealandpower
Riding the pine in a 2-0 loss. Tough season for Empoli who can't replicate last year's very respectable league campaign.

That was as of last game. They had the same points-per-game at sixteen games as at thirty-eight last season; if they do that this season then they will end up with a points total that has not been enough to survive relegation in any season this decade or last.

Cacace is playing a lot more this season, but not producing the same as last season (so far). Possibly both a cause and effect of Empoli's poor form, though a few teammates will be in similar predicaments, of course. 
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30 Dec 13:53
Libby suits up in Sardinia.

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30 Dec 18:21
Full game in a 0-0 draw. Cagliari with a disallowed goal and saved penalty.
Empoli are 19th/20, one point away from safety 

VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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07 Jan 13:32
Yipe no Libby, as Empoli lose 0-3.
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07 Jan 17:52
Empoli drop to last, they have 13 points from 19 matches.
Safety is still only 2 points away but they really need to start turning their season around if they want to avoid the drop


VUW AFC - Victoria University Football for life

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