Gianluca Busio scored a late goal, but Venezia were unable to hold on as they dropped points in a clash with fellow relegation-threatened side Empoli.

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Busio scores late goal Empoli fire back moments laterVenezia remain in relegation fightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

With the score level at 1-1 in the 85th minute, U.S. international Gianluca Busio stepped up with what seemed to be a crucial goal in the Serie A relegation race. The American midfielder provided cleanup duty, running onto the ball and firing home from close range to give Venezia a 2-1 lead.

That lead lasted just two minutes, though, before Tino Anjorin scored to make it 2-2, ensuring the two teams would split the points at the Stadio Carlo Castellani in a match that was crucial in Serie A's relegation fight.

AdvertisementWATCH THE GOALGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With the draw, Venezia remain in 18th, the third and final relegation spot in Serie A. They're level on points with Empoli, who sit 19th due to their goal differential. Lecce, meanwhile, sit one point ahead, which means Venezia would have leapfrogged them into safety had they held on to all three points. Fellow recently-promoted side Parma aren't safe from danger, either, as they sit on 28 points, three more than Venezia, but do have a game in hand.

Back in the fall, Busio spoke to GOAL about his pride of playing in Serie A, and the midfielder and his team will now have a fight to stay there heading into the final weeks of the season.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

With the goal, Busio now has the fourth-most Serie A goal of any American with three. His goal on Sunday brought him level with legendary USMNT midfielder Michael Bradley.