Fiorentina held by Empoli

Fiorentina have been made to pay for a host of missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Empoli in Serie A's Tuscan derby this afternoon.

Borja Valero wasted a huge chance to give the hosts an early lead when he headed over from point-blank range following a corner.

Juan Cuadrado was next to threaten for the Viola, but his powerful drive from the edge of the area was tipped behind by Luigi Sepe.

Midway through the half, Francesco Tavano had Empoli's best chance of the game, but he dragged his shot wide of the target after latching onto a poor back-pass from Jose Basanta.

At the end of the first half, Fiorentina made the breakthrough as the visitors failed to clear from a corner, and Juan Vargas took advantage by rifling a strike into the bottom corner from just outside the box.

Mario Gomez almost doubled their lead moments into the second half, but the German headed his effort onto the post.

The hosts continued to press and Cuadrado forced the keeper to tip his powerful drive over the bar.

However, Empoli got back on level terms when Lorenzo Tonelli headed in from Mirko Valdifiori's corner.

The hosts dominated the final stages as they looked for a second goal, but they were unable to find a winner against a resolute Empoli defence.