Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi was delighted with his players after Thursday night's 1-0 win over Empoli.

Felipe Caicedo's first-half penalty – his second goal in as many games – fired Lazio into the Champions League places.

“In the first half we did well, although we probably should've ended it with one more goal," Inzaghi said after the game.

“We played with less clarity in the second and were a bit stretched. Strakosha didn't make any real saves, but Empoli are a good team who had more of the ball than us.

“We weren't put under any real danger in our last two games, we knew how to suffer and we took home six important points.

“Caicedo's scored two decisive goals and I'm happy because he was freely criticised last season, but I really wanted to keep him and now he's giving great answers.

“Our penalty takers are normally Immobile and Luis Alberto, but this morning Caicedo told me he felt the responsibility of taking one and so he did.

“The team want to go all the way in every competition and always give their all. That's our secret, our maturity."