Roma left-back Max Tonetto put the hosts in front in the 35th minute when he slotted home at the near post after latching onto Francesco Totti's superb back-heeled pass.

The unmarked Sebastian Giovinco equalized for Empoli five minutes after the break with a close-range finish after being set-up by Ignazio Abate's low cross.

Roma's hopes suffered a blow when midfielder Simone Perrotta was handed a straight red card for a challenge on Felice Piccolo.

However, they managed to secure a valuable win three minutes past the hour mark when Panucci rose to head home David Pizarro's free-kick from the left.

Roma are second in the Serie A table with 64 points, four adrift of leaders Inter Milan, who face Juventus later in the day.

Elsewhere, Alexandre Pato's second-half strike gave AC Milan a 1-0 away victory over Torino.

Milan continue their pursuit of a Champions League spot as they fifth in the table with 49 points, four adrift of fourth-placed Fiorentina, who defeated Lazio 1-0.