The first leg of the Serie B promotion play-off Final has left it all in the balance, as Livorno drew 1-1 in Empoli” data-scaytid=”22″>Empoli.
The first leg of the Serie B promotion play-off Final has left it all in the balance, as Livorno drew 1-1 in Empoli.
Francesco Tavano had put the hosts in front on the half-hour mark with a low drive set up by Massimo Maccarone’s counter-attack.
Livorno got back on level terms with 18 minutes left on the clock thanks to a fantastic strike from Inter-owned Alfred Duncan, as the midfielder smashed his shot under the bar from a tight angle.
The second leg of this crucial local derby at the Stadio Picchi is on Sunday evening to see who will join Sassuolo” data-scaytid=”29″>Sassuolo and Hellas Verona in the top flight next season.
Away goals do not count in the Serie B promotion play-offs, so if they finish level on aggregate the second leg will go to extra time.
However, there is no provision for penalties. If the situation is still level after extra time, the team that finished higher up the table in the close season – in this case Livorno – will be promoted.
Empoli 1-1 Livorno
Scorers: Tavano 30 (E), Duncan 72 (L)