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Nicola Pozzi took advantage of a howler from ex-Empoli man Andrea Coda to earn a shock victory at the Friuli.
The Tuscans had never conquered the Stadio Friuli in Serie A, managing just two points from their six visits, but this was a head-to-head battle for European places. Udinese were fresh from stopping Inter's 17-match winning streak, but had Marco Motta on a three-match ban for elbowing an opponent, while Vincenzo Iaquinta, Cristian Zenoni, Paulo Barreto and Dias Felipe were injured. Luca Saudati was suspended for the visitors.
Udinese should've taken the lead in the opening couple of minutes, as Sulley Ali Muntari's free kick found Christian Obodo free at the back post, but the finish was too weak to beat Daniele Balli from six yards.
Moments later Gyan Asamoah went on the counter and forced Balli into a parry, while ex-Empoli man Antonio Di Natale fired the follow-up wide.
Di Natale wasted another chance when he managed to waltz round the goalkeeper, but the angle was too narrow and his lob was easily dealt with.
However, Empoli took the lead against the run of play thanks to a howler from a former Azzurri player. Andrea Coda hit a fresh air clearance on Antonio Busce's cross and Nicola Pozzi was clear to beat De Sanctis from the penalty spot.
Moments later it was nearly 2-0 with another counter-attack and Pozzi staring De Sanctis in the eyes once more, but this time his effort hit the upright.
Udinese were really struggling at the back now and De Sanctis had his palms stung in a reaction save on Stefano Lucchini's header.
Muntari's character is a definite problem and he was booked for a horrible reaction foul on Andrea Raggi that could so easily have been a straight red.
Udinese were all over the place and removed Coda for Siqueira, switching Zapotocny back to defence, and the youngster nodded just wide of the goal.
Muntari had the chance to equalise, but hesitated when one-on-one with the 'keeper.
Substitute Siqueira had a promising solo effort, but they went even closer on 65 minutes. Cesare Natali's wayward strike needed only a touch to go in, but Di Natale somehow blazed it wide at the back post from a yard.
Siqueira thought he had equalised with a low drive, but the goal was disallowed for an offside position.
Udinese had a series of scoring opportunities, but couldn't seem to find a way through the solid Empoli defence.
Young substitute Tiboni volleyed over from close range and Balli nearly gave away a comical goal. Di Natale dived out the way of a Muntari screamer and the goalkeeper flapped it on to his own crossbar.
Balli pushed a stoppage-time D'Agostino strike round the upright to secure all three points for Empoli.
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