Nikola Kalinic rescues point for Fiorentina against Empoli

Nikola Kalinic scored twice as Fiorentina came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Empoli in their derby clash this afternoon.

The Azzurri dominated the opening exchanges and they went ahead in the 18th minute when Marko Livaja raced onto Riccardo Saponara's pass over the defence, before firing a drive into the top corner.

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Empoli continued to pose more of a threat and nine minutes later they doubled their tally as Marcel Buchel picked up a loose ball outside the box and crashed a powerful strike into the corner beyond the stranded Ciprian Tatarusanu.

It threatened to get even worse for the Viola just moments later, but after finding room at the back post, Riccardo Saponara could only fire wildly over the bar.

Kalinic was then brought on by Fiorentina at the break and within 10 minutes of the second half the Croatian headed in Marcos Alonso's cross to pull a goal back for his side.

Six minutes later the striker doubled his tally for the afternoon with a simple finish at the back post following Khouma Babacar's low delivery across the six-yard box.

Massimo Maccarone and Kalinic both had further efforts to win the match for their teams, but there would be no further goals, as the Tuscan derby ended all square.