Empoli beat Bologna 2-3 at the Stadio Dall’Ara on Saturday night in Serie A, extending their winning run to four games.
The away side found the 1-0 after 25 minutes thanks to Manuel Pucciarelli, but Bologna tied 10 minutes later thanks to a wonder free-kick by Franco Brienza. Massimo Maccarone then put Empoli in front again, before Mattia Destro made it 2-2. Maccarone scored again early in the second half to give Empoli the three points.
The visitors started the better side, making the most of the quality Riccardo Saponara provided up front.
On seven minutes Saponara served Massimo Maccarone, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Antonio Mirante.
On 19 minutes it was Saponara himself who went close to scoring, with the Bologna goalkeeper saving a close range shot.
Bologna could not resist the pressure for much longer, and on 25 minutes Pucciarelli picked up a Saponara assist and his shot hit on Luca Rossettini’s leg before going past Mirante, making it 1-0 for the visitors.
Empoli did not stop dominating and just four minutes later it was again a Saponara assist to set up Pucciarelli, but the striker’s finish hit the post.
On 34 minutes, however, Andrea Costa took down Destro just outside the box, costing him a yellow card. Brienza then wonderfully converted the free kick, making it an unexpected 1-1.
Marco Giampaolo’s men proved their dominance just eight minutes later when Maccarone made it 2-1 for the visitors again, with a lovely touch after a great Piot Zielinski through ball, celebrating with a sip of beer.
This only lasted three minutes as Destro confirmed his current form beating Lukasz Skorupski to make it 2-2 just before the break.
Empoli started the second half as they ended the first and captain Maccarone netted again to make it immediately 3-2.
The visitors controlled the pace of the game with Roberto Donadoni’s men unable to create any clear chance.
Empoli wasted some counter attacks, but held on to the goal that enabled them to win their fourth consecutive Serie A game for the first time in their history, putting them on 27 points. Bologna remain 13th on 19 points.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com