Antonio Candela
Antonio Candela is an Italian professional footballer who plays as defender for club Empoli on loan from Spezia.
Career
On 5 August 2017, Candela made his professional debut with Spezia Calcio against Serie C club Reggiana in the Coppa Italia.On 31 July 2019, Candela joined Serie B club Trapani on loan until 30 June 2020. On 31 January 2020, he moved on loan to Serie C club Olbia.
On 3 September 2020 he moved on loan to Pergolettese. On 24 July 2021, he was loaned to Cesena.
On 25 August 2022, Genoa and Venezia reached an agreement under which Candela and cash moved to Venezia in exchange for Mattia Aramu moving in the opposite direction. Candela signed a three-year agreement with Venezia, with an option to extend.
On 3 February 2025, Candela was loaned to Spanish side Valladolid for the remainder of the 2024–25 season.
On 16 August 2025, he returned to Spezia on loan with an obligation to buy.
On 30 January 2026, Spezia made the transfer permanent and at the same time loaned Candela out to Empoli until 30 June 2026, with an option to buy.
Honours
;Italy U19- UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up: 2018