Empoli and Monza shared the spoils at the Stadio Castellani, largely thanks to the saves of Semuel Pizzignacco.
Alberto Grassi and coach Roberto D’Aversa were suspended for the hosts, plus Tyronne Ebuehi, Zurkowski, Perisan and Belardinelli injured, but Sebastian Walukiewicz recovered from a cut to the head. Curiously, Monza coach Alessandro Nesta was also banned from the touchline, with Patrick Ciurria, Alessio Cragno, Stefano Sensi, Milan Djuric and Jose Machin carrying knocks.
See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.
Daniel Maldini went on a strong early run only to fire just wide of the target, while Semuel Pizzignacco barely managed to fingertip a dangerous Giuseppe Pezzella cross away from Emmanuel Gyasi.
Pizzignacco also had to be alert on the Gyasi strike from just inside the area, but Monza got their first shot on target after the restart with Birindelli stinging the goalkeeper’s gloves at the near post.
Sebastiano Esposito’s ferocious Empoli free kick was deflected just wide and Luca Caldirola lashed over from a promising position after a corner, as did Lorenzo Colombo at the other end.
Ola Solbakken, on loan from Roma, had a strong run in the final minutes and forced a save from Pizzignacco at the near post.
Empoli 0-0 Monza
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