German Denis's last-gasp goal earned Serie A strugglers Atalanta BC a vital 2-2 draw at home to Empoli.

A lively first half saw both sides create chances in front of goal, but it was the visitors who took the lead on 41 minutes when Riccardo Saponara capped an incisive passing move with a calm finish.

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However, Atalanta equalised just three minutes later as Maximiliano Moralez's persistent run allowed Alejandro Gomez to tap in from close range.

Empoli started the second half in the ascendancy, and they were rewarded on the hour when Massimo Maccarone converted from six yards following Piotr Zielinski's cross.

The away side came close to extending their advantage soon after as Matias Vecino's shot flew narrowly over the crossbar, while the post denied Maccarone his second goal of the afternoon.

Atalanta offered little in the way of an attacking threat in the second half, but they managed to secure a share of the spoils deep in stoppage time when Denis headed Urby Emanuelson's corner into the back of the net.