Parma fight back to deny Empoli

Bankrupt Parma came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw in their Serie A match with Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani this afternoon.

The visitors made a bright start to the game and took the lead in the 19th minute when Massimo Coda's shot was blocked and Francesco Lodi followed up to fire the loose ball into the bottom corner.

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Empoli were not behind for long as, 13 minutes later, Massimo Maccarone was picked out inside the box by Riccardo Saponara to clinically finish past Antonio Mirante.

Matias Vecino almost grabbed a quick second for the home side, but he could only drag his shot wide of the post.

On the stroke of half time, Empoli were able to double their lead as Lorenzo Tonelli rose highest to meet Mirko Valdifiori's corner and power a header into the roof of the net.

The home side had another good chance early in the second half when Saponara's effort was saved by the keeper, before Daniele Croce drilled an attempt into the side-netting.

Maccarone was next to try his luck after working some room inside the box, only to lash an effort over the bar.

Empoli were made to pay for those missed chances as Ishak Belfodil smashed a strike into the roof of the net, after Vecino's shot had come back off the bar, to earn Parma a point.