Manuel Pucciarelli salvaged a point for Serie A strugglers Empoli in a 1-1 draw at Chievo.

Former Middlesbrough striker Massimo Maccarone teed up the 23-year-old to draw the visitors back on level terms after 59 minutes after Riccardo Meggiorini handed Chievo the lead.

A summer free transfer recruit from Torino, Meggiorini's debut goal for Chievo after 50 minutes, converting from Alberto Paloschi's pass, had the home side hoping for a second win of the new campaign.

Empoli remain winless at the start of the new league season, but were able to tie up their third consecutive draw after holding Cesena and AC Milan.

Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri said before the game he expected a tough contest at the Stadio Carlo Castellani and that was certainly the case as Chievo were able to arrest a run of two straight defeats after slumping against Parma and Sampdoria.

Empoli had led Milan 2-0 in midweek only to allow the Rossoneri back into the game to steal a draw.

Veteran forward Maccarone capped his first start of the season by providing the vital intervention that led to Empoli's equaliser.

The 35-year-old ensured his side stopped their sliding form by ushering Meggiorini through for the pivotal goal.

Chievo face a daunting trip to AC Milan after letting victory slip away, while Empoli will entertain Palermo on October 5.