The Elefanti finally grabbed their first win of the campaign and continued Empoli's current crisis.

Catania boss Silvio Baldini confessed he had the "best time" of his career with Empoli when he led them to promotion, eventually leaving in 2003. He was in the stands due to a touchline ban for kicking Parma Coach Domenico Di Carlo, so one of his former Empoli players - assistant manager Gianluca Atzori - sat on the bench. Neither side had a win yet this season and the Sicilians were also missing banned Davide Baiocco. Gigi Cagni's men had not scored in three rounds.

Vargas gave his goalkeeper an early scare, as his weak backpass was intercepted by Abate and Polito only just managed to clear the danger. Cristian Terlizzi's header looped on to the roof of the net from a set-piece.

Martinez really should have done better, but he couldn't get on the end of a dangerous Izco free kick at the back post.

Catania had penalty appeals waved away for an alleged Luca Antonini handling offence just before half-time.

The Sicilians took the lead straight after the restart. The Empoli defence was caught napping on Tedesco's long ball over the top and Martinez controlled to thump in with the outside of his right foot, but replays suggest he handled.

There was an extremely tense finale, as Giacomo Tedesco saw red for Catania after a horrible tackle on Andrea Raggi. A few minutes later, Lino Marzoratti followed for going through the back of an opponent.

Catania: Polito; Sardo (Colucci 84), Terlizzi, Stovini, Vargas, Edusei, Izco, Tedesco, Mascara (Babu' 79), Martinez (Silvestri 84), Spinesi

Empoli: Balli; Tosto (Busce' 55), Piccolo, Marzoratti, Raggi, Moro (Vannucchi 56), Marianini (Saudati 68), Marchisio, Abate, Antonini, Volpato

Ref: Marelli

Sent off: Tedesco 88 (C), Marzoratti 93 (E)