The 2018-19 campaign delivered a heartbreaking end for Empoli's return to the top flight, as the Azzurri finished a cruel 18th in Serie A, suffering relegation on the final day after finishing level on points with Genoa. The season was anchored by the incredible individual form of veteran striker Francesco Caputo, whose 16 goals proved decisive in keeping the Tuscan club battling until the final whistle. Despite his prolific contribution and the emergence of young talent like Ismaël Bennacer, the season was marked by managerial turbulence that ultimately saw them drop back to Serie B, defining a painful chapter of a season fought with relentless ambition.