Fiorentina missed the chance to move to within two points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Monday after falling to a surprise 2-0 home defeat by struggling Empoli.
Goals in each half from Francesco Caputo and Emmanuel Gyasi ensured Empoli moved out of the relegation zone at the expense of Udinese, who drew 1-1 with Lecce earlier on Monday and are one point behind the Tuscans in 18th.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, drop out of Italy's Champions League places following the defeat, level on 17 points with Napoli who take fourth spot on goal difference.
Vincenzo Italiano's side are five points behind Inter in fifth following their second defeat of what has been a positive campaign.
Fiorentina host Cukaricki in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.