Empoli at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Thursday night in Serie A, during a tight contest in Genoa.
Although the Azzurri took the lead through Manuel Pucciarelli, the Sampdoria were quick to reply through Eder.
Despite a positive first-half from the visitors, it was Sampdoria that had the ball in the back of Lukasz Skorupski’s net three times during the opening exchanges.
However, the Blucerchiati were incapable of remaining onside, as Eder (twice) and Carlos Carbonero had their efforts ruled out.
The Colombian probably should have already given Walter Zenga’s men the lead, though, but after an excellent touch to control a low cross lashed his shot wide.
Instead Empoli nearly had the half-time advantage, but Piotr Zielinski’s weak strike wasted some impressive build-up work from the Azzurri.
It was hard to see where a goal was coming from, until a moment of magic from Pucciarelli. Collecting a pass with his back to goal, the striker spun away from his marker and curled the ball into the top corner.
Within seven minutes, though, Sampdoria were level, Eder latching onto a Fernando through-ball and firing low past Skorupski.
After a somewhat pedestrian display up until then, the goal and introduction of Luis Muriel gave the hosts some added verve as they pushed for a winner.
As the clock ticked down the Azzurri were reduced to 10 men when Assane Diousse was dismissed for a second caution, but the Blucerchiati failed to make the advantage count during the final moments.
A trip to Chievo is up next for Sampdoria on Monday night, as they look to improve on a disappointing performance, while Empoli will travel to Sicily to face Palermo later that evening a little happier with a point.
