Cesena drew Empoli 2-2 at the Stadio Manuzzi in Serie A on Saturday evening.
Empoli looked the better of the two sides in the opening stages of the game but it was Empoli who drew first blood. Cesena grabbed the lead at the half-hour mark, thanks to Guido Marilungo’s close range header. Cesena doubled their lead minutes later as Gregoire Defrel fired from outside the area.
Empoli had to wait until the second half, when Francesco Tavano cut the lead in half from the penalty spot. The penalty helped the away side get a foothold back in the game, leading to the eventual equalizer from Daniele Rugani at the 72nd minute.
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CESENA
Nicola Leali – 5 – Battered
The Cesena keeper had to remain on his toes throughout the game as Empoli controlled most of the game and piled on the pressure in the second half.
Stefano Lucchini – 3 – Disappointing
The Cesena captain conceded the penalty, which allowed for Empoli to regain momentum, and picked up a booking for his troubles.
Massimo Volta – 6 – Steady
The defender went about his job quietly and well enough, and capped off his good work by assisting for Cesena’s second goal.
Daniele Capelli – 5 – Vigilant
The Cesena defender screened well and helped cover for his midfield and center-back partner whenever he could. A respectable outing all around.
Francesco Renzetti – 5 – Energetic
Although his team was mostly pinned back, Renzetti showed good determination toin his defensive duties.
Luigi Giorgi – 6 – Engine
Booked early on by Giorgi showed good energy to help his team by contributing on both sides of the ball.
Manuel Coppola – 4 – Quiet
Coppola struggled to really express himself as Cesena were under the cosh for the majority of the game.
Emmanuel Cascione – 4 – Faded
The midfielder didn’t see much of the ball and didn’t have much of an influence on the game other than helping out defensively.
Franco Brienza – 3 – Transparent
Failed to provide anything much upfront. Milan Djuric replaced him at the 66th minute.
Guido Marinlungo – 8 – Leader
He scored the all-important opening goal for Cesena, and at a time when Empoli had the better of the game.
Gregoire Defrel – 7 – Clinical
His goal had the looks of a winner for a long time but Empoli had other ideas. Either way he did well and doubled Cesena’s lead minutes after Guido Marilungo had opened the score
Substitutes
Ze Eduardo – 5 – 55th minute substitution
Milan Djuric – 5 – 66th minute substitution
Gabriele Perico – N/A – 84th minute substitution
EMPOLI
Luigi Sepe – 3 – Nightmare
Sepe didn’t have much to do throughout the game and it showed as his decision-making let him down in allowing Cesena to score two quick-fire goal when they had no business trailing.
Federico Barba – 5 – Assured
The defender went about his job well enough and kept things quiet for the most part.
Mario Silva Duarte – 5 – Engine
The defender went up and down and helped his side whenever he needed to, both offensively as well as defensively.
Elseid Hisaj – 5 – Average
A respectable outing for the fullback, but hardly one he’ll have drawn too much out of.
Daniele Rugani – 8 – Savior
The defender’s timely equalizer gave Empoli a draw they would have at least deserved and remained strong at the back against Cesena as well.
Mirko Valdifiori – 6 – Conductor
The midfielder was at the heart of many moves for his team, he kept possession well and kept the ball pinging around.
Daniele Croce – 6 – Energetic
The midfielder worked well and very hard to help his team in their hunt for the equalizer.
Simone Verdi – 7– Protagonist
Verdi was the one who looked most likely to get Empoli back in the game. Verdi took his chances and tried to force the issue against the staunchly defending Cesena.
Matias Vecino – 5 – Quiet
The midfielder had a quiet game. He did well in helping his team keep possession during passing sequences but failed to really do much more.
Francesco Tavano – 8 – Reliable
The veteran showed his class once again, scoring from the spot and doing well in his attempts to destabilize the Cesena defense.
Manuel Pucciarelli – 5 – Faded
The forward failed to impose himself too much on the game despite his other partners’ offensive efforts.
Substitutes
Davide Moro – 4 – 73rd minute substitution
Piotr Zielinski – 5 – 77th minute substitution
Rodrigo Aguirre – N/A – 87th minute substitution
