Liberato Cacace (Empoli | Italy)

AucklandPhoenix

Possibly they are well advanced and have a club lined up?

Doesn’t however explain why he played in the Oceania tournament 

FIFA window I thought someone said? 
But maybe foolish on his part to try and get released for two tournaments during pre-season. 

OFC cup while it may seem like a small show is still as far as fifa is concerned a 'continental' tournament no different to copa america so yes clubs don't really get much say in the matter. 

Not involved in Empoli's first friendly, a 0-0 draw vs FC Inglostad, a 3rd division German club. Apparently Libby ans another player are the only two who are still away after NT duty.
Interesting fact, their opposition today was coached by Sabrina Wittman, a 32 year old woman who is the first female head coach in any of the top 3 divisions in Germany

Comes on for the last 30 in Empoli's second to last outing before the start of the summer in a 2-0 win over Spezia.
Next week they are hosting Sampdoria.
The transfer market is very much active so anything can happen still but it's good to see he got some minutes 

Comes on at 74min (1-0) in a 2-0 loss to Sampdoria in a pre-season friendly.

Coppa Italia. Empoli host Catanzaro from Serie B

Official shirt numbers are out. Libby keeps his lucky 13.
There is still time for a transfer, but I reckon he will stay with Empoli and either try and win a new deal, or see if he can get a new contract at elsewhere at the end of the season when he's a free agent

Not sure on the formation, but it looks like both he AND Pezella played the game v US Catanzaro. He’s also credited with an assist for the first goal. 

And that guy Henderson is back. From?

They are playing 3-4 and then either 1-2 or 2-1 so looks like he's being deployed further up the pitch which will play to his strengths. 
Full game and one assist (almost 2, but his team mate hit the post) in a 4-1 win over Catanzaro. Empoli qualify for the next stage of the Coppa Italia

Highlights here.
Looks like two assists to me. And a lovely run to boot. Empoli won't have many easy games this season (you never do in Serie A), but if he can show his worth on the offensive, Libby won't have a shortage of suitors if Empoli let him go at season's end.