Radja Nainggolan has netted on the stroke of half time to give Roma a 1-0 lead over Empoli after 45 minutes of their Serie A match.

Empoli had the first chance of the half, but Francesco Tavano sent his volley wide of the mark.

At the other end, Alessandro Florenzi also volleyed towards goal and tested Luigi Sepe with a strong effort.

Matias Vecino then squandered a good opportunity for the hosts, before Maicon came within inches of opening the scoring for Roma as his shot rattled the bar.

However, Nainggolan gave the visitors the lead in fortuitous fashion in first-half stoppage time as his shot hit Sepe before rolling into the back of the net.