A Massimo Maccarone strike shortly before half time was enough to give Empoli victory over Padova, closing the gap on leaders Palermo to just two points in the process.
The Tuscan outfit were without a win since December heading into the weekend, and though opponents Padova have spent the bulk of the campaign mired in the drop zone, there could be no guarantees given their recent improvement under new coach Michele Serena.
Key to that improvement has been a more resolute defence, and that was in evidence early on when Timothy Nocchi produced an outstanding save to deny Simone Verdi from point blank range before Filippo Carini cleared a Daniele Croce follow up off the line.
Serena’s side meanwhile were looking dangerous on the break, and Empoli keeper Davide Bassi had to be at his best to deny Cristian Pasquato following a swift counter attacking move.
Empoli’s superiority soon began to tell however, with Francesco Tavano expertly controlling before forcing a fine save from Nocchi, while Maccarone went close with an audacious overhead kick before finally breaking the deadlock ten minutes before the break.
Having largely kept his side in it for much of the first half, it was somewhat surprising that a mistake from Nocchi proved the catalyst for the opener, with the Padova custodian spilling a cross from Verdi into the path of Maccarone, who from six yards out could not miss.
Nocchi partially redeemed himself early in the second half, reacting quickly to deny Maccarone an almost certain second from close range, and it was the hosts who posed the greater attacking threat during much of the second period.
Substitute Riccardo Improta saw an effort sail inches wide of the post, while the veteran Tommaso Rocchi forced a stunning save from Bassi with a blistering effort from distance as Empoli held on for three morale boosting points.
Almost as welcome as the victory would have been the news that Palermo had been held at home by Spezia. The Rosanero took an early lead through an Abel Hernandez header, but once again looked relatively impotent upfront and were undone by a spectacular free kick in the 85th minute from Matteo Scozzarella.
The other big winners at the top this weekend were Cesena, who came from a goal down away at Carpi to secure a 2-1 win that lifted them up to third in the table. Loanee Matteo Ardemagni had put the hosts ahead from the spot after half an hour, but a headed equaliser Luke Krajnc was followed by a 91st minute penalty winner from Alejandro Rodriguez.
Trapani’s excellent season continued with a 2-0 win over Modena that came courtesy of a Simone Basso penalty and an effort from Matteo Mancosu, with the Sicilians now up to fourth in the table.
Virtus Lanciano and Latina played out a goalless stalemate, while a controversial end saw Avellino held to a 1-1 draw away at Varese. Camillo Ciano had given Avellino the lead with a superb free kick early in the second half, but a 94th minute own goal from keeper Pietro Terracciano sparked ugly scenes, with the Avellino camp convinced their man was fouled in the build-up.
Elsewhere, Crotone moved back into the play-off places after Antonio Mazzotta’s first half spot kick secured all three points against Brescia, while fellow play-off hopefuls Siena were held to a 2-2 draw away at Ternana.
Further down the table, Bari inflicted a sixth straight defeat on Pescara, who have since installed the familiar face of Serse Cosmi as coach. A solitary Marco Sansovini effort gave Novara a vital 1-0 win over relegation rivals Reggina, and it finished one apiece between Juve Stabia and Cittadella.
