Roma coach Claudio Ranieri was satisfied after their 0-0 draw with Sampdoria.

Samp goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi forced into several tough saves on Simone Perrotta, Mirko Vucinic and Rodrigo Taddei, but the home side also hit the woodwork with Marius Stankevicius.

"I am happy with the way the lads played, which I couldn't say after the derby," commented Coach Ranieri.

"We created a great deal and were unlucky with the final ball. Both teams played good football and perhaps we deserved more, as in the first half hour of the second period Samp struggling so much that they introduced another defender to change the system."

Taddei put in a strong performance and had one of the best scoring opportunities.

"He is a lovely lad and until now was simply unable to do what he wanted. When I see him train with that intensity I have to give him a chance and he repaid my faith in him."

Both teams are locked together in fifth place, within nine points of Serie A leaders Inter.

"The table tells the truth and we are not even halfway through the season. This is a great squad that two years ago was within reach of the Scudetto. These lads still have the spark in their eyes to get back to the top."