Andrea Bertolacci’s first goal in 23 Serie A matches was not enough to secure Genoa all three points as Empoli rallied to force a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in a Serie A match last night.

The Grifone midfielder had not scored since January but called time on his personal drought after 14 minutes when he hit an angled drive that proved too hot to handle for Empoli goalkeeper Davide Bassi to give the hosts the lead.

The rest of the first half belonged to Empoli, however, with Verdi setting Manuel Pucciarelli up for an attempt from close range and Maccarone arriving just too late to tuck home Mario Rui’s low assist.

Empoli continued to plug away without any joy when play resumed and Maccarone was unlucky not to equalise with a cheeky back-heel from a corner at a 61st-minute corner.

The Tuscans’ hard work finally paid off in the 78th minute as Tonelli deflected the ball into the net with his chest.

Genoa move up to tenth place in the standings on nine points while Empoli are 13th with seven points.