Empoli 2 - 2 Parma - Belfodil rescues Parma point

Posted Monday, April 20, 2015 by PA

Substitute Ishak Belfodil struck a 73rd-minute equaliser as bottom-side Parma denied Empoli a come-from-behind victory in Sunday's 2-2 draw in Tuscany.

Francesco Lodi put Parma ahead in the 19th minute but goals from Massimo Maccarone and Lorenzo Tonelli gave Empoli a 2-1 half-time lead.

Belfodil then scored against the run of play for his first goal in Serie A since May 2013 to silence the crowd at the Carlo Castellani stadium.

The point has lifted Empoli to 15th place as they sit 11 points clear of the drop zone with seven games remaining.

Parma remain rooted to the foot of the standings, 17 points adrift of safety.

The visitors went into the game with morale low after a hard week, one that had seen them lose to Genoa 2-0 and then be docked four points as punishment for their financial troubles.

The hosts, unbeaten at home since January 26, had a great chance to go ahead in the 11th minute but Maccarone's close-range header from Mirko Valdifiori's cross went wide.

Parma scored with their first shot on goal. Francesco Lodi found space in the area and struck a right-footed shot towards the far post to beat Empoli goalkeeper Luigi Sepe.

Parma's joy was shortlived as Empoli equalised just after the half-hour mark.

Riccardo Saponara got past defender Mattia Cassani, pulled the ball back for Maccarone and the veteran forward hit a left-footed shot towards the near post to beat Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante.

Empoli continued on the attack and were rewarded on the stroke of half-time as Tonelli got his head behind Valdifiori's corner-kick and his powerful effort beat Mirante.

Five minutes into the second half, Mirante made a double save to deny Empoli their third goal of the afternoon.

The Parma keeper kept out Saponara's 15-yard shot and then saved Daniele Crode's close-range header.

At the other end, Massimo Coda headed Silvestre Varela's cross on target but Sepe was equal to the task.

Sepe fully stretched to clear Varela's 30-yard attempt before Parma's persistence paid off.

Coda's powerful shot hit the crossbar and Belfodil was first to the rebound to smash the ball into the back of the net.

With eight minutes remaining, Parma had a chance to clinch all three points but Coda's header from Belfodil's cross from the right sailed narrowly over the bar.