Serie A: Genoa-Empoli 1-1, Grassi opens then Silvestri scores an own goal

Milan, Mar. 2 (LaPresse) – Genoa and Empoli drew 1-1 in the 27th round of Serie A matches. A valuable point for the grifone, even if obtained at home, Vieira's team moves up to 12th place with 31 points and keeps its distance from the relegation zone where Empoli remains entangled. Fresh from their historic victory in the Coppa Italia against Juve, the Tuscan team came close to a big win at the Marassi stadium, but after Grassi's goal in the first half, Silvestri scored an own goal to give the Ligurians the equalizer. In the league table, Empoli remain in third to last place on their own with 22 points. The first half was a hard-fought affair with very few dangerous situations. Empoli had a good first half, breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute with a goal from Grassi following a scramble in the box following a corner. Vieira's team struggled to find a way through and were almost never a threat to Silvestri. In fact, in the second half, it was again the Tuscans who came close to doubling their lead, first with Kouamé and then with Esposito, but first Leali and then Vasquez saved Genoa. Empoli kept up the pressure and again came close to scoring, first with Cacace from a free kick and then with Marianucci from a corner kick. After half an hour Genoa had their first chance with the newly entered Cornet, who controlled a good ball in the area but shot over. It was the prelude to the equalizer, however, which came in the 81st minute with Vasquez on a corner thanks to a sensational blunder by Silvestri who fumbled the ball into his own goal.