Roma vs Empoli: A tale of two penalties

Roma were looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches when they hosted Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

The hosts made a bright start and took the lead in the 18th minute, thanks to a penalty from Lorenzo Pellegrini. The spot-kick was awarded after Empoli defender Sebastiano Luperto was adjudged to have fouled Edin Dzeko inside the area.

Empoli levelled the scores just before the half-hour mark, with Patrick Cutrone converting from the penalty spot after Roma goalkeeper Pau Lopez had brought down Andrea Pinamonti.

The second half was a more even affair, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the winning goal.

Roma came closest to scoring in the 75th minute, when Dzeko hit the post with a header.

In the end, the match finished 1-1, leaving Roma four points behind Serie A leaders Milan.

The match in numbers

• Roma had 56% possession, compared to Empoli's 44%
• Roma attempted 16 shots, while Empoli had 8
• Both teams were awarded one penalty
• Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini and Empoli's Patrick Cutrone both scored from the spot
• Roma's Edin Dzeko hit the post in the second half

Roma's performance

Roma were not at their best against Empoli, but they still managed to come away with a point.

The hosts started brightly and took the lead early on, but they were pegged back by Empoli's equaliser just before the half-hour mark.

Roma came closest to scoring in the second half, when Dzeko hit the post with a header.

Overall, Roma's performance was disappointing, but they will be relieved to have come away with a point.

Empoli's performance

Empoli were the better side in the second half, and they deserved to come away with a point.

The visitors defended well and were always a threat on the counter-attack.

Empoli's equaliser was a well-taken penalty from Cutrone, and they could have won the game in the second half if they had been more clinical in front of goal.

Overall, Empoli's performance was impressive, and they will be confident of staying in Serie A this season.

The referee's performance

The referee had a difficult game, but he made the correct decision to award both penalties.

The referee also showed a yellow card to Roma's Pellegrini for a foul on Pinamonti, and to Empoli's Luperto for his challenge on Dzeko.

Overall, the referee's performance was fair and impartial.

The atmosphere

The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was electric, with both sets of fans creating a great atmosphere.

The Roma fans were particularly vocal in their support for their team, and they were rewarded with a point in the end.

The Empoli fans also made their voices heard, and they were delighted with their team's performance.

Overall, the atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was fantastic.

The final word

Roma and Empoli played out a 1-1 draw in a match that was evenly contested.

Roma were the better side in the first half, but Empoli were the better side in the second half.

In the end, a draw was a fair result, and both teams will be happy with a point.

Roma will now turn their attention to their next match, which is away to Atalanta on Wednesday.

Empoli will also be in action on Wednesday, when they host Salernitana.