Giampaolo: ‘Can’t stop Viola completely’

Marco Giampaolo congratulated Empoli on their performance, “but we couldn’t stop Fiorentina for 95 minutes.”

They had dominated the first half and were 2-0 up until Nikola Kalinic came off the bench for a brace and the final 2-2 result.

“Fiorentina are a side who keep the ball so well that if you let them play, they wear you down,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

Marco Giampaolo congratulated Empoli on their performance, “but we couldn’t stop Fiorentina for 95 minutes.”

They had dominated the first half and were 2-0 up until Nikola Kalinic came off the bench for a brace and the final 2-2 result.

“Fiorentina are a side who keep the ball so well that if you let them play, they wear you down,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“We couldn’t stop them for 95 minutes and the substitutions changed the game. We held out under pressure for the draw and I am satisfied with our performance.

“The club has always signed quality players. At times it can be risky, but we carry on our idea of football with courage and aim to do our best.”

Giampaolo had been greeted with scepticism when replacing Maurizio Sarri, but is he now ready for the big time?

“I’m not going to kid myself any more. I take it one day at a time.”