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Empoli completed a late fightback to defeat Palermo for their first win of the season.
The Sicilians were flying high going into this tie after their shock 2-1 win over Milan midweek and a four-match unbeaten run. Empoli qualified for the UEFA Cup last term, but had just two points from five games. This game had never ended in a Serie A draw, with one win each.
The home side really should have taken the lead after 120 seconds. Andrea Barzagli's poor clearance set up Davide Moro and his shot was saved by Alberto Fontana, but only into the path of Luca Saudati who incredibly ballooned over an empty net from seven yards.
Nicola Pozzi did no better moments later, as he blasted high when he only had Fontana to beat.
The Rosanero woke up after nine minutes with Daniele Balli at full stretch to tip a Bosko Jankovic header round the post. But it was mostly Empoli, as a corner kick took a series of deflections before Aimo Diana's desperate clearance off the feet of Pozzi.
Veteran goalkeeper Fontana flew to deny Vittorio Tosto's effort from the edge of the area, but he picked up an injury and made way for Federico Agliardi.
Empoli have only scored once this season and that wastefulness came to cost them after an absolute howler from Daniele Balli. The goalkeeper's appalling first touch handed the ball to Edison Cavani nearly 20 metres out and it was child's play for the Uruguayan to lob into an empty net.
The home side had 10 corners in the first half alone, but could not make all the pressure count. Daniele Adani also went off injured for Felice Piccolo.
Empoli finally hit the back of the net straight after the restart with a looping Pozzi header into the top corner from Guillermo Giacomazzi's cross. They had not scored at the Stadio Castellani in Serie A all season.
The Sicilians were reduced to 10 men as Fabio Caserta picked up his second booking.
The woodwork came to Palermo's rescue on 76 minutes, as Sebastian Giovinco's free kick found Antonio Busce' only for the crossbar to keep the 1-1 scoreline intact.
Giovinco turned it all around soon after with his first ever Serie A goal. The Juventus youth product thumped a low drive between five players in the area to slot into the far low corner. Tosto deserved much of the credit, though, as his run down the left set up the opportunity.
Ighli Vannucchi made the result safe with a well-taken low penalty into the near corner.
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