|
10-man Empoli snatched a last-gasp equaliser at the Stadio Friuli in this entertaining tussle.
The Friulani were hoping for home advantage after their 2-0 defeat at Catania last week, but Empoli were revitalised with the arrival of former Udinese boss Alberto Malesani. However, the Tuscans were without the suspended Claudio Marchisio and Nicola Pozzi.
Antonio Di Natale's career really started at Empoli and he volleyed at the goalkeeper after Fabio Quagliarella had intelligently chested on an Andrea Dossena cross.
Moments later Sebastian Giovinco went on a mazy run, but Udinese broke through with a well-taken goal. Di Natale's splendid assist sent Dossena clear and he delicately chipped the on-rushing goalkeeper.
Ighli Vannucchi managed to get an assist through for Luca Saudati despite being on the ground, but the striker fired over the bar to waste the effort.
Empoli came out fighting for the second half and Andrea Raggi's header from a corner kick drew them level almost immediately.
However, Francesco Pratali brought down Quagliarella for a second bookable offence, leaving the visitors with 10 men for the remaining half-hour.
Despite that situation, the Tuscans did not hold back and Giovinco's curling free kick was well held by Samir Handanovic.
Antonio Floro Flores nodded a Simone Pepe cross off target, but there was controversy 10 minutes from time when Pepe had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside.
Udinese thought they got the winner five minutes from time, as ex-Empoli hero Di Natale blasted in a right-foot finish from nine yards. It was his 100th career goal.
However, despite playing a man down, Empoli snatched the equaliser with practically the last kick of the game, Lino Marzoratti's looping header.
| 
