MILAN - There was no goal for Gabriel Batistuta on his debut for the Nerazzurri, but Christian Vieri hit a second-half hat-trick to keep the San Siro faithful happy after a frustrating first half which saw Matias Almeyda stretchered off with a suspected tibia fracture.
The understanding between Batigol and Bobogol was evident right from the outset, the latter providing the former with an assist in the second minute. Batistuta sent his near-range effort wide, then repaid the compliment a minute later to set up the Italian international. Empoli keeper Berti denied Vieri, then Morfeo sent his follow-up shot wide.
All three goals came after Hector Cuper brought Recoba on for Morfeo. Bobo hit his first in the 69th minute with a tap-in from a yard out after Batistuta's assist took a slight deflection. The second was a headed effort from near range after a headed pass from Turkish international Okan. A stunned Empoli went 3-0 behind when Vieri completed his hat-trick with 5 minutes remaining - another tap-in from close range after a Javier Zanetti cross slipped through Berti's hands.
An inspired Vieri turned on the style in the 87th minute with a first-time cracker from outside the box, then had a fourth goal disallowed for offside in injury time.
Inter move into first position in the Serie A with 39 points from 18 matches, and Bobo Vieri is now well clear at the top of the scorers' chart with 16 goals to his credit so far this season.
