Empoli coach Paolo Zanetti highlighted the qualities of Paulo Dybala and suggested that ‘bad luck doesn’t exist’ after a tight 2-1 loss to Roma.
The home side quickly fell behind after the Argentinian star slotted home a beautiful curling shot from just outside the penalty area, but they managed to claw back an equaliser before half time thanks to Filippo Bandinelli. Despite their best efforts, Empoli couldn’t build off this and Tammy Abraham managed to find the winner deep into the second half.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, Zanetti first reacted to the 2-1 loss to Roma.
“Bad luck doesn’t exist. We have to be more precise even if I cannot say anything to the team, who played a brave game trying to put Roma in trouble.
“In some situations we weren’t lucky, in others we were imprecise and that’s where we have to improve.”
The Empoli coach touched on the strengths of Roma star Dybala, who scored the opener and provided the assist for Abraham’s winner.
“We know him. After all, when you play against great teams, it’s normal that there are champions who shift the balance.
“Dybala made the difference today, but I want to underline the spirit of my team because playing like this we’ll lose very few games.”
Finally, Zanetti underlined his belief that his squad were showing the right responses, even if results haven’t gone the Tuscan side’s way.
“Yes. We have to be very focused even if the wins don’t come. Consistency of performance brings long-term results. We have to be good at not putting our heads in the hole but keep working.
“Honestly, I can say little to the boys. I coach an extraordinary squad that pushes hard during the week and the satisfaction will come.”
At the end of matchday six, Empoli sit 16th in the Serie A table with only four points, having drawn four of their first six outings. The Tuscan side will be hoping for a positive result in their final game before the international break against Bologna.