Promoted Frosinone Calcio have notched up their fourth win of the season and have established themselves in mid-table with a decent 15 points. A Munich co-production, including a dream goal from Cuni, opened the scoring against Empoli. The 17-year-old Ibrahimovic then made the early decision himself
During the week, familiar names had already helped Frosinone progress in the Coppa Italia against FC Torino. Goals from Bayern loanee Ibrahimovic and Reinier, who was loaned to Borussia Dortmund from Real Madrid from 2020 to 2022, had earned the club a 2-1 win after extra time.
The reward: Reinier and Ibrahimovic were allowed to start side by side against FC Empoli on matchday 11. Another familiar face from Germany, Cuni, lined up in front of the pair. The 22-year-old also came through FC Bayern’s youth ranks, was most recently loaned out to 1. FC Saarbrücken and moved to Italy in the summer.
After two Serie A defeats in a row, they were hoping to pick up some points against basement side Empoli (only two wins). Frosinone were lucky at first, however, as Cancellieri hit the crossbar for FCE after less than two minutes. A short time later, Gyasi missed the second great chance for the visitors (9′).
Cuni scores wonderfully at the second attempt
However, the home Giallazzurri then took full control and played for the lead. And lo and behold: after 20 minutes, ex-Munich man Cuni celebrated for the first time after Ibrahimovic had played the ball to him in high pressing and the attacker had remained ice-cold in front of goal – but the flag went up.
The cheers died down again and Empoli went into the break with the score at 0-0. But the pressure did not let up after the break. Mazzitelli failed to hit the post (57′) before the Munich co-production, which produced a dream goal, was on hand again immediately afterwards. After a short corner, Ibrahimovic crossed the ball to the near post, where Cuni ran in and finished with his heel (58′). It was the 22-year-old’s first goal in a Frosinone shirt
Ibrahimovic increases the lead with a powerful shot
Mazzitelli tried again a little later with a well-placed shot, but this time the crossbar had something against it (66′). Ibrahimovic did better again, following up his assist with a goal. After receiving a pass from Marchizza, the left-winger fired the ball into the net from 15 meters to make it 2:0 (74′) and set a new record in the process. At 17 years, ten months and 26 days, he became the youngest player in the top five leagues to score a goal and an assist in the same match this season
Late on, Empoli made it exciting once again, with Caputo heading home the equalizer (86′). However, Frosinone held on for their fourth win of the season in a long six minutes of stoppage time to consolidate their place in mid-table. With seven points from eleven games and a goal difference of 4:21, things continue to look bleak for FCE from Tuscany.
A real endurance test awaits Frosinone on Sunday (20:45). The newly-promoted side will host leaders Inter Milan. Empoli face defending champions SSC Napoli beforehand (12.30 p.m.)
