A machine (100) for espresso coffee of the piston type is described. The machine comprises a cylinder (1), a piston (2) which is configured to perform a translation movement in said cylinder, a rod (4) having an end cooperating with said piston (2), an operating lever (5), a spring (3), a member (6) configured to cooperate with said rod (4) and to move said piston (2) from a first position to a second position in which said spring (3) is at least partially compressed, and an opening (71) for introducing water into said cylinder (1) configured so as to introduce water above the piston (2).