By Anna Italia
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56% Ball Possession NAPOLI and 44% Ball Possession EMPOLI
Napoli  2- 2 Empoli  
67′ Duvan Zapata                          19′ Simone Verdi
72′ Jonathan de Guzman          53′ Daniele Rugani

Serie A Standing AFTER the game:
Napoli, 4th position with 24 points and a positive goal difference of +8
Empoli, 13th position with 15 points and a negative goal difference of  -5

Napoli losing the third position after the 2-2 draw with Empoli.  It’s a step back because Genoa now overtake the 3rd position after defeating AC Milan.   Surprisingly, Empoli taking the lead in the first half with a 0-1.   In the second half, Napoli returning to equalize the score saving at least 1 point.  A draw which is more like a victory for Empoli and a wake up call for Napoli.

Problems for Napoli starting in the 18th minute with an error by defender Faoui Ghoulam.  Taking advantage of the error is Empoli forward Massimo Maccarone providing the assist to Verdi defeating Napoli goalkeeper Rafael with a left footed shot in the bottom right corner.  .

Empoli increasing the score in the 53rd minute  following a corner conceded by Npaoli defender Ghoulam.   It is  Maccarone again to provide the assist to  Empoli defender Daniele Rugani for the right footed shot in the  high center.   Empoli just ruling at the San Paolo.

Napoli shortening the distance in the 67th minute following a corner conceded by Empoli defender Mario Rui.  It is forward Dries Mertens to provide the assist to forward Duvan Zapata for the headed  shot in the bottom let corner.

Midfielder Jonathan de Guzman saving Napoli’s pride.  In the 72nd minute de Guzman equalizes  the score to a 2-2  defeating Empoli goalkeeper Sepe with a left footed shot in the top left corner..

Napoli having a tough lesson with a determined Empoli unafraid at the San Paolo Stadium.  Empoli goalkeeper Sepe making a super save at the end of the game in extremis!!!

Photo: facebook.com/SSCNapoli

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Here is NAPOLI official starting lineup by coach Rafael Benitez:

Photo: facebook.com/SSCNapoli

SSC Napoli coach Rafael Benitez shouting instructions to his players during the game against Empoli

Photo:   facebook.com/empolifcofficialpage
2014 – 2015 Italian Serie A Week 14

Napoli 2 – 2 Empoli
Sunday 7 December 2014
San Paolo Stadium
Naples, Italy

12:30

Referee: CERVELLERA
Assistants: NICOLETTI – RANGHETTI
Fourth Official: DI LIBERATORE
ADD1: MASSA
ADD2: LA PENNA

Goals: Goals: 19′ Simone Verdi (E), 53′ Daniele Rugani (E),  67′ Duvan Zapata (N), 72′ Jonathan de Guzman (N)

Official formations – lineups:

Subs not used: 1 Pugliesi, 28 Bassi, 99 Aguirre, 22 Bianchetti, 5 Moro, 8 Signorelli, 20 Pucciarelli, 9 Mchedilidze).

Match Stats