Empoli strike late to draw with Cagliari

Cagliari let a lead slip to Empoli in stoppage time to cost themselves a vital Serie A victory in Zdenek Zeman's first match in charge after <a href="/football/cagliari/news/cagliari-reappoint-zeman-as-manager_210263.html">returning as manager</a>.

Joao Pedro gave Cagliari the lead after 20 minutes, curling the ball into the net from outside of the penalty area.

Lorenzo Crisetig tested Luigi Sepe minutes later, but the Empoli goalkeeper diverted the ball past the post, and Joao Pedro nearly scored his second of the match when a free kick rebounded off the right upright.

Danielle Dessena shot over the bar, and Joao Pedro threatened again before the break as Cagliari pressed for another goal.

Massimo Maccarone had Empoli's only two . . .