Cagliari let a lead slip to Empoli in stoppage time to cost themselves a vital Serie A victory in Zdenek Zeman's first match in charge after returning as manager.

Joao Pedro gave Cagliari the lead after 20 minutes, curling the ball into the net from outside of the penalty area.

Lorenzo Crisetig tested Luigi Sepe minutes later, but the Empoli goalkeeper diverted the ball past the post, and Joao Pedro nearly scored his second of the match when a free kick rebounded off the right upright.

Danielle Dessena shot over the bar, and Joao Pedro threatened again before the break as Cagliari pressed for another goal.

Massimo Maccarone had Empoli's only two chances of the half, striking over the bar and rolling the ball past the right post.

Marco Sau had two attempts blocked at the start of the second half as Empoli struggled to threaten, with Matias Vecino's shot going wide of the target in the 69th minute.

Empoli had a great chance to equalise in the 77th minute when Daniele Rugani's close-range shot was blocked by Modibo Diakite with the goal gaping.

Vecino had two more scoring chances before full time and Rugani was also unable to equalise as it appeared that Cagliari would escape with the spoils.

However, with the last play of the match, Vecino finally equalised with a low shot into the centre of the net.

The result means that Cagliari stay three points from safety with 11 matches remaining of the season.