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Luca Saudati saw his penalty saved as Empoli could only earn a 1-1 home draw with Reggina.
Tension was sky high at the Castellani for this relegation six-pointer, but the Reggina camp took it too far when star striker Nicola Amoruso was frozen out of the squad after a row with Coach Renzo Ulivieri. The veteran tactician had been in charge of Empoli back in the 1970s and was boosted by a 3-1 win over Catania before the Christmas break. The Tuscans were confident too, though, after the arrival of new boss Alberto Malesani.
Reggina hadn't won any of their four top flight trips to Empoli, but the home side had Francesco Pratali and Davide Moro suspended. Salvatore Aronica also sat out a ban, so new signing Bruno Cirillo made his return to the Amaranto after a spell in Spain with Levante.
Neutrals were hoping for a repeat of last season's spectacular 3-3 draw and it certainly got off to a blistering start! Within 120 seconds goalkeeper Balli failed to get on the end of a Simone Missiroli pass that was slowed by the mud, allowing him to set up Fabio Ceravolo for a simple finish. Empoli were shaken, but got straight back on level terms when Cirillo made a disastrous debut. He tripped Antonio Busce' and Luca Saudati converted the penalty to equalise. Saudati then dribbled past the hapless Cirillo and fired just over the bar, while Sebastian Giovinco was causing all sorts of problems down the left flank. On 15 minutes the referee pointed to the penalty spot again, once more Cirillo came in with a clumsy sliding challenge on Saudati. The striker got back up for his second penalty and aimed for the same corner, but this time Andrea Campagnolo was ready for him and parried. The pitch was in dismal condition due to the heavy rainfall in Tuscany and Missiroli failed to get enough power on a cutback for his teammates when clear on goal, losing his footing in a puddle. Campagnolo fingertipped Busce's header from a corner out from under the crossbar, Marianini volleyed another set play just wide and Guillermo Giacomazzi's header was off target. Saudati stung Campagnolo's palms from distance as Empoli were taking control, so Reggina gave Uruguayan Christian Stuani his Serie A debut. Within seconds the visitors had a rare shot on goal, as Balli got down brilliantly to turn a Ciccio Cozza strike round the post after combining with Missiroli. Stuani had a fantastic introduction to Italian fans, creating one chance and very nearly netting a second within the first three minutes of stepping on to the field, as Balli stuck out a foot to parry his low drive from another Missiroli assist. Empoli substitute Abate's angled drive skimmed the far post after he dispossessed Cozza. Reggina boss Renzo Ulivieri was sent off for dissent yet again on 70 minutes, the third time since he took over the team. The home side had appeals for a third penalty waved away as Luca Tognozzi's handling offence was considered involuntary. Luca Antonini also had a long-range effort parried and deep into stoppages Vannucchi's free kick was dealt with effectively. The game ended with the first official 'terzo tempo', a new mandatory ruling in Serie A that forces the two teams to shake hands in the centre circle after the final whistle. It is an almost identical move to before kick-off, when both sides line up to exchange salutations. | 
