Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri declared himself proud after his side secured Serie A survival on Wednesday afternoon.
The Azzurri snatched a 1-0 win at Torino courtesy of a Daniele Padelli gaffe.
“I am particularly pleased because nobody gave us a chance of survival last July,” he admitted to Sky Sport Italia.
“It is a great satisfaction that football has shown there is still a place for a side like ours.
“There was a desire to take steps to secure our status this afternoon,” he went on to admit, “but in the locker room we are really just aiming for as good a position as we can, and exploiting the good condition we are in.
“Am I staying with Empoli?” he asked of himself, “Right now, yes, but football can always bring about unpredictable things, but we are happy now.”