Super Eagles full-back Tyronne Ebuehi was in action for the whole 90 minutes as Empoli defeated Bologna 3-1 to put some day light between them and the bottom five.

Empoli needed everything to go their way and to also take their chances if they were going to beat Bologna and right from the first whistle they had it their way.

Jhon Lucumi scored an unfortunate own goal to put Empoli ahead in the first minute, then VAR Intervened twice to disallow two well-taken Bologna goals due to handball infringement in the build-up play.

Empoli were riding their luck for the duration of the first half but their second goal was well orchestrated from a set-piece situation Razvan Marin sent in a precise cross for Ivory Coast star Daniel Akpa Akpro to head home for the double just at the stroke of half time.

Bologna needed to respond at the restart, but it was Empoli that got the next goal after a very open second-half game Razvan Marin was once again at the heart of things as he laid a perfect pass for Nicole Cambiaghi to make it three before Bologna were able to get a consolation via a VAR penalty call.

Ebuehi was in action for the entirety of the game and completed one dribble, made a clearance, and one interception as his side remained in 15th place but four points above 16th-placed Lecce and eight points above the bottom three.