However a poor start in the Serie A 2007–08, and a UEFA Cup elimination in the first round to FC Zurich convinced Empoli's management to sack Cagni, appointing Alberto Malesani as replacement. On 31 March 2008 he was re-called at the helm of Empoli, following the club board's decision to fire Malesani too, but he did not manage to save the club from last matchday relegation.
Empoli's poor performance in Serie A 2007–08, coupled with a UEFA Cup first-round elimination against FC Zurich, led to the club's management dismissing Cagni and appointing Alberto Malesani as his replacement.  On March 31, 2008, Cagni was recalled to manage Empoli after the board fired Malesani, but he failed to prevent relegation in the final matchday.