Empoli manager Maurizio Sarri has said that he is proud of his players following their 2-2 draw with Napoli.

Goals from Simone Verdi and Daniele Rugani had given the Azzurri a two-goal lead, before strikes from Duvan Zapata and Jonathan De Guzman pegged them back.

"I am proud of the performance from my lads who played with character against a big club in a huge stadium," Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

"For a while we held the dream of taking away three points, but it can happen to be caught out here.

"It's a shame we conceded a goal when we were down to nine men. I was sent off because I was angry, but did not offend anyone."

Empoli are currently 13th in the Serie A table.