On 17 December 2017, he was named new head coach of Serie B promotion hopefuls Empoli in place of Vincenzo Vivarini. After a very successful season in which he guided Empoli to win the Serie B title and assure themselves promotion to the top flight for the 2018–19 Serie A season, his contract was extended for one more season. He was sacked on 5 November 2018. He was re-appointed by Empoli on 13 March 2019.