Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 21:54 / Updated on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 21:55
Less good period for the former speedster Rares Ilie (22 years old). Arriving at Empoli, the former speedster was publicly criticized by Alessio Dionisi (45 years old), his coach. The reason? The lack of seriousness it would show.
The Romanian was a reserve or was not part of the team in the last two matches in the championship, the draws with Reggiana (1-1) and Frosinone (2-2).
Empoli's coach criticizes Rareș Ilie in the conference: “He did not reach his potential”
At the press conference preceding the duel that ended in a tie with Frosinone, score 2-2, Alessio Dionisi, the team's coach, took the Romanian side.
He spoke about the situation of Rareș Ilie, absent from the team in the previous match, against Reggiana.
“Ilie has not yet reached his true potential, but he has reached a turning point, also because here he has benefited from more continuity than in the past.In this championship there are few players with his characteristics. He has the necessary qualities, but they are not enough. He will be part of the batch.
The absence from the match with Reggiana was dictated by certain technical requirements. At the same time, he needs to show that he has the desire to show that he is not an incomplete player and to free himself from the pressure of that number 10, understood in a way that no longer exists in today's football”, said the coach of Empoli, according to pianetaserieb.it.
Rareș Ilie played 23 matches this season for Empoli, during which he scored 2 goals and provided 4 decisive assists. He is quoted by the specialized website Transfermarkt at 1.8 million euros.
Ilie is on loan from Empoli until the end of this season from Nice. The Romanian scored the last goal on January 10, in the 1-0 success against Cesena.
Empoli is currently in 10th place in Serie B with 30 points after 26 matches. The first two places advance directly, the 3rd-8th places play a play-off.
