Gigi Cagni's Empoli won their first ever UEFA Cup tie against FC Zurich 2-1 at the Stadio Castellani.

Azzurri boss Gigi Cagni picked an almost unrecognisable side from the 11 that faced Lazio last week, but the second string delivered in style.

Juventus-owned defender Felice Piccolo nearly put the Tuscans ahead after just three minutes with a powerful header from a corner.

Rej Volpato's magnificent ball to Nicola Pozzi nearly provided the breakthrough after 10 minutes, but he was unable to keep the shot under control.

Cagni's men certainly should have been ahead after 17 minutes when Ignazio Abete slid the ball to Luca Antonini only for the Milan native to miss an open goal.

Davide Bassi's only save of the first period was a routine stop from Tunisian Youssaine Chikhauoi.

On the stroke of half-time Empoli took a thoroughly deserved lead through Piccolo as he reacted first to head home a corner.

Things got even better for the home side as Antonini redeemed his earlier miss by converting a penalty after he was brought down.

Volpato brought an excellent save out of Johnny Leoni, but the pace of the game slowed as the game reached the hour mark.

Just as the fans started to believe their side could get away without an away goal, substitute Alexandre Alphonse pulled one back for Zurich.

While Cagni can be proud of delivering a winning European debut, his men could be made to pay for not keeping a clean sheet.

FC Zurich: Leoni; Konde', Okonkwo, Stahel, Raffael; Chikhaoui, Rocaht, Barmettler, Abdi; Schneider, Hassli (Alphonse 70)

Empoli: Bassi; Piccolo, Rincon (Raggi 84), Abate, Pozzi, Marzoratti; Marchisio, Iacoponi (Eder 84), Volpato; Antonini (Vanigli 87), Prevete

Ref: Yefet (Isr)