Serie A round-up: Roma strike late to hold Inter
Saturday 19 March 2016 22:27, UK
A late goal earned Roma a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan to keep the Giallorossi in the driving seat for Champions League qualification.
Inter looked set for a first win at the Stadio Olimpico since 2008 following a fourth goal in as many games for midfielder Ivan Perisic on 53 minutes.
However, Radja Nainggolan swept the ball into the bottom corner following a mis-kick by substitute Edin Dzeko to see Luciano Spalletti's men consolidate third place.
The point moves Inter above Fiorentina into fourth place, with the Viola playing at relegation-threatened Frosinone on Sunday.
Saturday's other Serie A match was goalless between Empoli and Palermo at Carlo Castellani.
Both teams came into the match in poor form, the hosts having failed to win in their last 10 league matches, while Palermo were only a point above the drop zone.
Clear chances were few and far between, but the visitors could have won it with 12 minutes left when Slovenia defender Aljaz Struna sent his volley over after a free-kick had been knocked down into the Empoli penalty area.
Empoli and Palermo played out a goalless draw at Carlo Castellani.
The hosts had failed to win in their last 10 Serie A matches, while Palermo came into the game only a point above the drop zone and on their eighth head coach since November under Walter Novellino.
Palermo forward Franco Vazquez had an effort deflected over while at the other end, Manuel Pucciarelli sent a header too high.
The visitors created some good openings in the second half, but could not conjure a winner.
A free-kick from Aleksandar Trajkovski curled just over, Vazquez was denied by Empoli keeper Lukasz Skorupski and Aljaz Struna sent a rising volley off target.
