Busce strike gives Empoli draw at Messina

MILAN, Oct 21 (Reuters) A 64th-minute strike from Antonio Busce gave Empoli a 2-2 draw at Messina in Serie A today to leave the two sides on nine points, five behind leaders Inter Milan.

Christian Rigano put Messina ahead in the ninth minute with a close range header from a deep Arturo Di Napoli cross but Luca Saudati then brought the visitors level in the 32nd minute.

Japanese midfielder Mituso Ogasawara restored Messina's lead five minutes after the break with a smart half-volley from the edge of the area -- his first goal in Serie A.

But Empoli got a deserved point when Busce fired home a superb curling shot without the outside of his right foot to make it 2-2 in the 64th minute.

Cagliari were at home to struggling Torino later today while AC Milan host Palermo tomorrow and leaders Inter are at Udinese.

REUTERS AB BS2352