In Serie A football results, Empoli secured a 3-1 win over Udinese on Monday night at home, Carlo Castellani Stadium.
The Azzurri turned the match around in the second half through goals by Petar Stojanovic, Nedim Bajrami, and Andrea Pinamonti.
Four points separated the sides heading into the game but now, Empoli climbed above Sassuolo and are tied on points with Hellas Verona, who are at 10th place in the table.
Empoli have thus started the season, their first one back in the top division, well under head coach Aurelio Andreazzoli.
Meanwhile, Udinese are stuck at 14th place in the table with 16 points from as many games.
Serie A Football Results – Empoli Secured a 3-1 Win over Udinese
And the hosts were the better side at the start of the game as they pushed for as opening goal.
But the Friuli, though struggling with many absentees at the back, did well to keep a clean sheet. Especially in form was their goalkeeper Marco Silvestri.
The visitors made sure Empoli never felt safe to, making the most of their many opportunities at the other end.
After 22 minutes, Gerard Deulofeu’s shot reached the net behind Guglielmo Vicario with a precise finish from inside the area.
Empoli were less convincing, instead of more, going forward after the Spaniard’s goal.
Indeed, Udinese were the ones who almost snatched their second goal of the game through Tolgay Arslan and Destiny Udogie.
After the first 45, Empoli regained their initial strength and it didn’t take long until the home side pulled level.
Samuele Ricci found Petar Stojanovic at right after which the full-back cut inside and found the bottom corner. He thus beat Silvestri to the Friuli goal and equalized after only 49 minutes.
Then, Empoli went further ahead only 10 minutes later, when Fabiano Parisi’s cross from the left reached Nedim Bajrami. The latter tapped the ball into the empty net and easily complete the turnaround for the Azzurri.
And even as Empoli grew confident in their display, the visitors started giving away silly fouls in the midfield.
Udinese had a few half-chances midway through the second half but Empoli scored again.
From the right, Szymon Zurkowski found Bajrami at the edge of the box. The attacking midfielder pulled it back to Pinamonti, unmarked at the penalty spot, who struck neatly in the bottom corner.
So, the home side won in style, bringing home the three points with three goals in the second half.
