Historical Crests Empoli FC

Name: ​ ​ Empoli FC

Nickname(s): ​ ​Gli Azzurri (The Blues)

Founded: ​ 1920

Stadium: ​ ​ ​Stadio Carlo Castellani (Empoli)

Capacity: ​ ​​16,284

Empoli FC Crest History

Throughout its history, Empoli FC's crests have remained closely tied to two symbols: the club's traditional blue colour and the city of Empoli itself. The most enduring symbols have been the club's initials and the Collegiata di Sant'Andrea, the historic church that dominates the city centre and has long served as a symbol of Empoli.

The earliest known crest, used during the 1920s, was a simple but elegant emblem consisting of two concentric circles containing the intertwined initials of Empoli Foot-Ball Club. The design reflected the style of many early football clubs and established the blue-and-white colour scheme that would become synonymous with Empoli football. The interlocking monogram created a strong visual identity and remains an important part of the club's heritage.

During the following decades, Empoli gradually adopted a new crest centred around the facade of the Collegiata di Sant'Andrea. This church, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, became the defining feature of Empoli's visual identity for much of the twentieth century. The badge typically took the form of a blue shield containing a stylised depiction of the church, accompanied by the club's name. This design proved extraordinarily durable and became the crest most closely associated with Empoli's rise through the Italian football pyramid.

The Sant'Andrea crest accompanied Empoli through many of the most important moments in its history, including its emergence as a professional club and its first appearances in Serie A. While minor refinements were made to the shield shape, typography and proportions over the years, the fundamental design remained largely unchanged. Few Italian clubs displayed such consistency in their visual identity for so long.

During the 1980s, another local symbol occasionally appeared alongside the club's imagery: the flying donkey. This reference derived from the traditional Empolese celebration known as the Volo del Ciuco and reflected an important aspect of local folklore. Although the donkey never replaced the official crest, it became an alternative symbol sometimes associated with the club and its supporters.

A major redesign arrived in 2013. For the first time in decades, Empoli moved away from the Sant'Andrea church motif and returned to a monogram-based identity. The new badge featured a modern blue shield containing an interwoven EFC monogram representing Empoli Football Club. The club name appeared prominently at the top, while the foundation year was incorporated into the design. The redesign marked a significant departure from the traditional church crest while simultaneously drawing inspiration from the club's earliest emblems.

The modern badge represented a conscious effort to simplify and strengthen Empoli's visual identity. By returning to the initials that had characterised the club's first crest, Empoli created a direct link between its contemporary image and its origins. The result was a cleaner, more versatile design that maintained the club's traditional blue colour while embracing modern football branding.

A special centenary version of the crest was introduced in 2020 to celebrate one hundred years of the club's history. The commemorative badge honoured Empoli's past while incorporating elements from both the historic monogram and the modern identity, serving as a bridge between different eras of the club's development.

Today, Empoli's crest remains centred on the blue shield and intertwined EFC monogram introduced in the modern era. While visually different from the famous Sant'Andrea crest that defined much of the twentieth century, it continues to reflect the club's traditions and its connection to the city of Empoli.

Empoli FC Club History

Founded in 1920 in the Tuscan town of Empoli, the club has spent much of its history competing against opponents from far larger cities while establishing a reputation for intelligent management, youth development and attractive football.

The club was formed as Empoli Foot-Ball Club and spent its early decades competing in regional and lower-division football. 

For much of the twentieth century, Empoli competed in the lower tiers of Italian football.

A historic breakthrough arrived in 1986 when Empoli achieved promotion to Serie A for the first time. Under the guidance of coach Gaetano Salvemini, the club completed one of the most remarkable achievements in its history by reaching the top flight despite representing one of the smallest municipalities ever to do so.

The 1990s brought both successes and setbacks. Empoli alternated between divisions but continued to grow both on and off the pitch. A major achievement arrived in 1997, when the club returned to Serie A under Luciano Spalletti. The promotion introduced one of the most influential coaches in modern Italian football and marked the beginning of Empoli's reputation as a club capable of developing exceptional managerial and playing talent.

The early 2000s represented another successful period. Empoli established itself as a competitive Serie A side and regularly exceeded expectations despite operating with one of the league's smallest budgets. 

One of the highlights of this era came in 2007, when Empoli achieved qualification for the UEFA Cup for the first time in its history. The achievement represented the club's greatest success on the European stage and confirmed its status as one of Italy's best-run provincial football institutions.

The club's reputation for developing talent continued to grow. Players such as Antonio Di Natale, Vincenzo Montella, Luca Toni, Claudio Marchisio, Daniele Rugani and numerous others either emerged through Empoli or spent formative periods of their careers at the club. Coaches including Luciano Spalletti, Maurizio Sarri and Marco Giampaolo also enhanced their reputations in Empoli before moving to some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Empoli plays its home matches at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, named after a former player who lost his life during the Second World War. 

The club's most important rivalry is with Pisa SC, with matches between the two sides known as the Derby dell'Arno. The fixture reflects the historic competition between neighbouring Tuscan cities and is one of the most passionate rivalries in the region. Other notable rivalries exist with ACF Fiorentina, Siena and Livorno, reflecting Empoli's position within Tuscany's football landscape.

Despite representing a town of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, Empoli has established itself as one of the most respected clubs in Italian football. 

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