Empoli

Why Empoli

Here is the argument for Empoli: Italy, Italy Serie B, and a ground called Stadio Carlo Castellani – Computer Gross Arena. A second team should give you something your first one cannot, and this is a different country's whole weather system.

• The calendar you inherit

  Following Italy Serie B means odd kick-off hours, a new commentary language and a table you will check before your own club's. Italy becomes part of your week.

• Old enough to matter

  1920 is the founding date, old enough that the club has survived a war, a rebuild and at least one financial scare, young enough that the good years are still in living memory.

• Something to defend

  The cabinet is not empty: Serie B and Serie C1. Small enough to recite from memory, big enough to argue about in a pub.

• Close to the pitch

  Stadio Carlo Castellani – Computer Gross Arena holds about 16,800. You can hear the defenders shouting at each other, which is the single best argument for lower-capacity football.