Udinese climb into Serie A top half with victory at Empoli

Goals either side of half time from Antonio Di Natale and Silvan Widmer have earned Udinese a 2-1 win over Empoli in Serie A.

Udinese took the lead at the Stadio Carlo Castellan in the 19th minute when Allan Loureiro crossed from the right for Di Natale to head home.

Empoli were level before half time when Danilo was adjudged to have handled in the area and Riccardo Saponara made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Manuel Pucciarelli came close to putting Empoli in front before half time, but the hosts then fell behind to a fortuitous goal on the hour mark.

Silvan Widmer attempted a cross under pressure from the right and managed to float the ball over Empoli keeper Luigi Sepe and into the far corner for the winning goal.

Udinese held on for three points despite a red card being shown to Panagiotis Kone in the 74th minute after two bookable offences.

Victory moves Udinese up into the top half of the table, while Empoli remain 16th, just a point off the drop zone.