Empoli’s resilience under new manager Davide Nicola continued as they snatched a late point against rivals Fiorentina in a thrilling 1-1 draw.
The 32nd Derby Arno was a fiery affair, with Empoli’s Emmanuel Gyasi setting the tone with an early yellow card. Fiorentina struck first just before the half-hour mark through Lucas Beltrán, finding the bottom corner after a clever pass from Rolando Mandragora.
Empoli emerged from the break determined to respond. Matteo Cancellieri missed a golden opportunity when he fired wide after a flowing counter-attack. Moments later, he won a penalty after being brought down by Davide Faraoni in the box. M’Baye Niang stepped up and coolly converted, bringing the Azzurri level.
Emboldened by the equalizer, Empoli pushed for a winner. Răzvan Marin forced a strong save from Fiorentina goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano, but further chances dwindled.
The draw leaves both sides frustrated. Empoli, despite remaining unbeaten under Nicola, still hover just above the relegation zone. Fiorentina, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to close the gap on the top six and could end the day three points adrift.
Man of the Match: Matteo Cancellieri’s tireless running and penalty-winning run earned him the Flashscore Man of the Match award.
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