Lazio-Empoli Primavera: draw at Formello, Empoli remains third-last

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LAZIO: Coach: Pirozzi.

EMPOLI: Vertua, Moray, Falcusan, Mannelli, EL Biache, Barsotti (89' Egan), Baralla (85' Huqi), Matteazzi, Baud Banaga (61' Di Leva), Popov (61' Tordiglione), Gravelo (85' Zanaga). Coach: Filippeschi.

Referee: Ear of Brindisi.networks: 32' Nazzaro (L); 72' Barsotti.

ROME – The Empoli Spring comes out unscathed from Formello Training Ground against Lazio, but remains third from bottom, three points behind Bologna, against whom at the moment with five days to go they would play the play-out salvation. The Romans started better in the first half, and after having to deal with two amazing saves from Vertua, they took the lead in the 32nd minute with Nazzaro, who found the corner on the fly after an imprecise save from Vertua. The Azzurrini reacted well in the second half. Between the 64th and 68th minute, first Matteazzi grazed the post and then El Biache wasted Gravelo's inviting cross from two steps away. The equaliser was in the air, however, and it arrived promptly in the 72nd minute when Barsotti (in the photo by Empoli Fc) came up with a champion's move: a body feint to elude the opponent's intervention and a powerful right-footed conclusion (his weaker foot) under the crossbar.