Empoli deny Sampdoria consolation win with late equaliser

An Alessandro Zanoli goal was almost enough for Sampdoria to pick up their fourth win of the season at the expense of Empoli, but a late Roberto Piccoli equaliser spoilt the mood in Liguria.

The Blucerchiati have not had an easy season and their relegation to Serie B has already been confirmed, leaving them with little to play for except pride in the final stages of this campaign.

Empoli, on the other hand, have essentially secured their safety in Serie A and have a comfortable cushion above the relegation zone, putting little pressure on Paolo Zanetti’s side as the season draws to a close.

Despite their relegation, Dejan Stankovic’s Sampdoria looked positive in the early stages of the clash with Empoli, clearly wanting to put on a positive showing for their loyal supporters.

In the 34^th minute of the match, a determined run from Fabio Quagliarella on the left wing allowed him to cross the ball into a packed Empoli penalty area, where Zanoli was waiting to strike the ball past Guglielmo Vicario, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.

The Blucerchiati slowed things down after this, allowing them to see their advantage into the half-time break, putting just 45 minutes between them and victory.

Stankovic’s side carried their momentum into the second half, limiting Empoli to brief bursts of attacks, but as the match wore in things became increasingly tense at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Empoli refused to let up in the final stages of the match and their efforts were finally rewarded in the 93rd minute, when Roberto Piccoli latched onto a bouncing ball in the Sampdoria penalty area to poke it past Nicola Ravaglia, drawing the away side level.

The equaliser was almost the last kick of the game, leaving Sampdoria fans to shake their heads after being denied their fourth win of the season.