Spalletti: We didn't create good enough chances

The Giallorossi were unable to get on the scoresheet at Stadio Carlo Castellani, and were forced to settle for a point after an outstanding goalkeeping display from Empoli's Lukasz Skorupski.

Spalletti was proud of his side's performance in some regards, but was frustrated by a lack of cutting edge in the final third.

"Tactically they [Empoli] were exceptional, staying organised the whole time," Spalletti said. "The pitch didn't help us; the players found it difficult to stay on their feet and this meant we couldn't move the ball quickly.

"We made a couple of mistakes, which makes everything more difficult and you risk getting hit on the counter."

Lukasz Skorupski was a big factor in this 0-0 draw...

"Lukasz played very well. He's known for being a good goalkeeper. We tried to score in so many ways. He made the game his own, but it was partly down to us as well."

Was the team's attitude among the 'mistakes' you mention?

"We were always trying to play positive football and win the game, but when the ball enters the area you need to be able to score or pass it well. We couldn't manage to get good shots off or find the free man. We've been victorious in much tighter contests in terms of the number of chances. We had so many chances today and when we did manage to shoot, their goalkeeper was in top form."

How do you assess Paredes' performance? He seems to have made great progress.

"He played well. He's in good form at the moment and that's why I picked him. He's able to find the forward pass, he's got good feet and he's strong. This was what we expected of him. At the beginning he just needed to build confidence in a new environment, but now he's doing well."

Can you explain the decision to switch Antonio Rudiger and Emerson Palmieri to the opposite wings?

"Tactically it made sense this way. With three centre-halves, I wanted to move the ball around rather than drive forward. They did well to show the opposition attackers inside. Rudiger didn't have 90 minutes in his legs so he couldn't push on. When Emerson got the ball to feet, he let fly with a couple of powerful drives and two crosses to the far post. They were organised and we weren't good enough at getting in behind them or picking holes in their defence."