Defenders lead Empoli to win over Crotone in Serie A

Empoli celebrates a goal.(Andrew Medichini/AP)

ROME — All three goals were scored by defenders with headers as Tuscan club Empoli beat promoted Crotone 2-1 on Monday to gain its first Serie A points this season.

Andrea Costa scored the winner early in the second half by redirecting a free kick from former Italy international Manuel Pasqual.

Giuseppe Bellusci had put Empoli ahead in the 31st with his first Serie A goal in his 104th appearance in the top flight, then Mario Sampirisi equalized for Crotone in first-half added time.

Visiting Crotone ended with 10 men after Noe Dussenne picked up his second yellow.

Also in the final minutes, Alberto Gilardino came on for Empoli for his 500th appearance in Serie A.

Crotone, a Calabrian club making its top-division debut, remained without any points through three rounds.

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