Lazio have missed out on the chance to move up to second in Serie A, falling to a 2-1 defeat against Empoli this afternoon.

Antonio Candreva was inches away from giving the visitors an early lead when he latched onto a ball over the top and flashed a strike just wide of the far post.

Lazio threatened again moments later through Filip Djordjevic, who was picked out by Stefano Mauri, but could not direct his header on target.

Following a goalless first half, Empoli opened the scoring in the 52nd minute when Federico Barba headed in Mirko Valdifiori's corner.

Massimo Maccarone doubled the home side's lead minutes later with a powerful half-volley after he had latched onto Piotr Zielinski's clever free kick.

Lazio were stunned, but they managed to claw a goal back in the 66th minute when Candreva's cross was headed in by Djordjevic.

The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser late on, but they were unable to find the net for a second time as they suffered their fourth league defeat of the season.