Antonio Di Natale brace downs Empoli

Antonio Di Natale scored twice for Udinese as they kicked off their Serie A season with a 2-0 victory over Empoli this evening.

Guilherme had the first chance of the match for the hosts when he latched onto Luis Muriel's flick over the top, but saw his low strike blocked by the keeper.

Francesco Tavano had Empoli's best chance of the first half after showing good skill to get into the box, before dragging a shot wide.

Di Natale gave Udinese the lead just before the hour mark when he was slipped through on goal by Muriel, before placing an effort into the bottom corner.

The veteran striker grabbed his second of the evening five minutes later after he latched onto a poor back-pass and slotted calmly past the keeper.

In stoppage time Manuel Pucciarelli saw an effort saved by Orestis Karnezis as Empoli's return to the top flight ended in defeat.