Ten-man Roma kept up the pressure on Serie A leaders Inter Milan - but they were made to work for their 2-1 win by struggling Empoli.

Three points would have taken Alberto Malesani’s side out of the bottom three and that did not look out of the question at times as the Giallorossi made life difficult for themselves.

Max Tonetto put the Eternal City giants ahead after 36 minutes, but Sebastian Giovinco replied for the visitors five minutes after the break.

Simone Perrotta saw red seven minutes minutes later, but Roma made light of the numerical disadvantage to claim a winner through Christian Panucci three minutes after the hour mark.