Giampaolo: Roma are in a great run of form

"We lost against a top team," declared the Empoli coach after the encounter at the Stadio Carlo Castellani. "You can tell the difference in class from a match like this.

"Empoli fought with their heads held high but we were facing a strong team, who right at the moment are hitting peak fitness, physique, technique and self-confidence. It wasn't easy and we knew it."

Giampaolo believes the Giallorossi are one of the best-organised teams on a technical level.

"Roma came into this game on the back of a string of consecutive victories. I think they are one of the best teams around in terms of their quality.

"They're in a great run of form, they've got their confidence back and they're winning everything at the moment."

The match won 3-1 by the Giallorossi was dead and buried when Stephan El Shaarawy hit a superb goal from distance.

"His wonder strike altered the balance in the game. The second was inevitable, just as the third was, which came during our best spell.

"Once again, the difference in quality and an individual effort from one player can change how things are going in contests like these."