Empoli's European hopes take a dent after goalless draw

Sixth-place Empoli were held to a 0-0 draw by Cagliari on Saturday in the Serie A, a result that could hurt the Tuscan club's chances of playing in Europe next season.

Empoli 46 points, one fewer than fifth-place AC Milan and five ahead of rapidly rising Fiorentina.

The top four teams qualify for the Champions League and the next two gain UEFA Cup berths.

Also, Antonio Di Natale scored the winner as Udinese beat Chievo Verona 2-1 and Mauro Camoranesi scored one goal and set up another to help Serie B leaders Juventus to a 3-1 win over Lecce.

Empoli a goal ruled out in the 15th minute at Cagliari when Luca Saudati was ruled offsides before connecting with a bicycle kick.

Michele Ferri had a chance for Cagliari in the 68th but Empoli goalkeeper Davide Bassi pushed the ball wide.

Camoranesi's led to Marco Marchionni's goal in the 12th minute at Lecce. The Italy midfielder then dribbled past three defenders before scoring with a long-range shot in the 64th.

In between, Tiziano Polenghi temporarily equalized for Lecce with a header from a free kick in the 15th and Marcelo Zalayeta restored Juve's lead with a shot from the edge of the area in the 47th.

Juventus the second division with 65 points. Second-place Genoa have 58 points after beating Bologna 3-0 on Friday.

In Udine, Chievo went ahead in the seventh minute. Sergio Pellissier used one touch to redirect a long pass over charging goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.

Vincenzo Iaquinta equalized for Udinese in the 34th with a header and Di Natale's winner came in the 74th with a bouncing shot from the center of the area.

A powerful strike by Udinese midfielder Sulley Muntari cannoned off the crossbar in the 79th.

Udinese into a tie for eighth with Sampdoria with 39 points each. Chievo are fifth from the bottom and only three points clear of the relegation zone.