Sunday 1 February 2015 11:11, UK
Roma's hopes of a first Serie A title in 14 years faded further on Saturday after a fourth consecutive draw, this time at home to Empoli, to leave Juventus six points clear before their trip to Udinese.
The Giallorossi's dreams of a first scudetto since 2001 were dented significantly by last week's draw away to Fiorentina, which allowed Juve to open up a seven-point gap on Rudi Garcia's men.
This week the hosts were stunned minutes before the half-time interval when Kostas Manolas was shown a straight red card after racing back to foul Riccardo Saponara as he teed up to shot from close range.
The referee pointed to the spot and Massimo Maccarone stepped up to send Morgan De Sanctis the wrong way to give the visitors a 39th minute lead.
Empoli's joy, however, was tempered on the stroke of half-time after Saponara was cautioned for a second time after appearing to handle in the box, although replays suggested the ball came off his shoulder and upper arm.
Roma equalised just before the hour thanks to a superb curling shot from Maicon.
Empoli striker Manuel Pucciarelli had penalty appeals waved away after a no-nonsense challenge from Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and tensions boiled over soon after when Rui fell to the ground claiming Miralem Pjanic punched him in the ribs. Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri, who erupted off the bench, was sent off for dissent.
Earlier, 10-man Genoa had to settle for a point after being held 1-1 at home by Fiorentina.
Genoa broke the deadlock on 14 minutes through Stefano Sturaro, but Fiorentina levelled 10 minutes after the restart when Gonzalo Rodriguez flicked a corner past Mattia Perin at the back post.
Genoa's chances of snatching their first win of the year were compromised when Nicolas Burdisso was shown a second yellow card.
