However, that lead lasted just three minutes as centre-back Juan Jesus inadvertently put the ball into his own goal before Empoli came within inches of taking the lead when captain Manuel Pasqual hit a post with a fizzing free-kick in the 15th minute.

Schick restored the hosts' advantage when the Czech Republic international headed home Alessandro Florenzi's free-kick from close range at the far post.

Home captain Florenzi was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 80th minute and Empoli thought they had snatched a late point when Rade Krunic found the back of the net in the 89th minute.

But referee Fabio Maresca reviewed the decision on the monitor and, after a lengthy wait, disallowed the goal for a controversial handball by Dimitri Oberlin in the build-up to give Ranieri's side victory.

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