ROME, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Paulo Dybala took the center stage on Monday, as he scored one and set up another, helping Roma carve out three points after beating Empoli 2-1 away.
The Giallorossi had suffered dismal performances recently, with consecutive defeats in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League.
Dybala put Roma ahead in the 17th minute as a poor clearance fell kindly into the path of the Argentine, La Joya fired in a trademark left-footed volley outside of the box.
The home side got back on level terms before the interval, as Filippo Bandinelli equalized with a bullet header.
Roma restored their lead in the 70th minute, with Dybala involved again as he whipped in a cross from the right, allowing Tammy Abraham to cushion in a volley at the back post.
The Giallorossi should have extended their lead 79th minute, but Lorenzo Pellegrini saw his spot-kick smack the woodwork.
Empoli were reduced to ten men as Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro was sent off after a dangerous challenge.
The win sends Roma into fifth place with 13 points, one point ahead of Inter Milan. ■
