Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano defended his players after their 1-1 draw with Empoli.

Italiano has rejected claims his team is in "crisis".

"We play every game for three points and must try to play better than the previous match. I thought our initial approach was much better than many away fixtures, but that distraction on a counter-attack is what prevented us from winning the game," Italiano told DAZN.

“It is true that Empoli changed their tactical system and we had chances to win it after the break too, but we still should've done more.

“We are not in crisis. We just need to improve our playing style, as every now and then we lose our way, but the first half was a strong response and I saw some progress. We fell asleep on the goal and if we hadn't allowed that situation, I am sure it would've been a very different result.

“We are three points worse off than last season, so must try to keep our balance and above all confirm the performances seen in the first half of the season. There is a long way to go and the first half today really does reassure me.

“We must not lose that enthusiasm and positivity, we are on track with what we want to achieve."