More Baldini praise for striker

EMPOLI coach Silvio Baldini continues to eulogise over Andrea Di Natale after the striker rescued his side a point against Udinese.

The Italian international netted a last-gasp leveller at the weekend which inched Empoli closer to Serie A safety.

Though Di Natale struggled with injury during the middle section of the season, his presence has been a boom for Empoli.

Baldini admits his team missed Di Natale's contribution and believes the marksman's call into the international fold is an indication of his ability.

"Di Natale? He's a fantastic player," hailed Baldini. "The fact he reached the Italian national team playing with Empoli is an important thing.

"Then, he got injured but when he came back, with him, we picked up seven points."

Udinese coach Luciano Spalletti was magnanimous after being forced to settle for a point, despite the visitors taking the lead through Giampiero Pinzi.

He stated: "Empoli had a big reaction after our goal and I can say they deserved the draw."