Roma were held to their fourth successive Serie A draw but reduced the arrears on league leaders Juventus to six points with a 1-1 result against Empoli.

Massimo Maccarone scored from the penalty spot for Empoli after Kostas Manolas was sent off in the 37th minute. Riccardo Saponara was also shown a red card on the stroke of half-time as both sides ended the game with only 10 men.

Maicon levelled just shy of the hour mark, but Roma could not find a winner and could end up nine points adrift at the top of the table if Juventus beat Udinese on Sunday.

Fiorentina and Genoa also played out a 1-1 draw as the Viola began life without Juan Cuadrado, who is closing in on a move to Chelsea.

An own goal from Fiorentina goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu gave a strong Genoa side the lead, but Gonzalo Rodriguez levelled 10 minutes into the second half.

Genoa had to play the final 10 minutes with 10 men after Nicolas Burdisso received his marching orders, but they will be the ones left feeling hard done by as Fiorentina struggled to find a spark without the Colombian winger.