Nainggolan: 'Roma like Juve and Napoli'

By Football Italia staff

Radja Nainggolan believes “Juventus and Napoli are not stronger than Roma,” while warning they can’t underestimate Lazio.

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“It won’t be the atmosphere of a real derby because of the fan protests, but we have to win for the supporters anyway,” the midfielder told Il Tempo newspaper.

“Earlier this season the ultras stood outside our hotel to cheer us on before the game. We are prepared to beat Lazio, we are relaxed, but also know we must be more concentrated because you cannot lose a derby.

“Lazio are missing a lot of players, but people said the same about us and we proved the strength of our squad. We are the favourites only because recently we’ve had some good results.

“When it comes to the derby, it doesn’t matter how well you play, but getting the victory. To do that we must battle together as a squad.”

Roma have climbed into third place, valid for the Champions League, since Luciano Spalletti took over from Rudi Garcia in January.

However, Nainggolan insists the Giallorossi are not a weaker proposition compared to the top two.

“I don’t think Juventus or Napoli are stronger than Roma, because we drew at the San Paolo and beat Juve on our home turf. They have been more consistent, but we are not worse. Unfortunately we got a few games wrong.

“Spalletti is ‘tougher’ than Rudi Garcia and focuses more on defending so we can then counter with through balls, whereas Rudi Garcia was more interested in high pressing all over the field.

“So far the new working method is going well and the results say that. However, if we start losing again, people will drag up the same old criticism.

“When a Coach is replaced, it means something was not working. We players made mistakes and perhaps only realised that too late. Our attitude has certainly changed and if we had continued like that, it would’ve been damaging.”

Roma had been Serie A leaders at one point, but Juventus fought back from a dismal start to pick up 58 points from an available 60. Are Juve stronger mentally?

“It’s too easy to say that now. Perhaps it was our fault, as we thought it’d be easier to stay in front of Juve in the table. We rested on our laurels and assumed we’d win regardless of performance, but when you receive a heavy blow it’s tough to get back on track.”

What Napoli do have and Roma decidedly lack is a centre-forward who can bang in the goals.

“Every ball Gonzalo Higuain touches seems to go in the net,” acknowledged Nainggolan.

“But we have Edin Dzeko, who in my mind is great. Serie A isn’t easy and he needed time to adjust. We need someone like him to hold the ball up. He hasn’t scored much, but you have to praise his performance.”

Nainggolan also admitted he’s not the most traditionally professional player in Serie A.

“I’ll retire before I hit 35. Our job is to be a player, to train two hours a day and prepare in the best possible way. I don’t have to go to bed at 10pm to be in good shape, so there’s nothing wrong if I have a wander round. Of course there are moments for that more opportune than others.

“Everyone knows how I live. It’s not as if I spend four days a week out clubbing. I drink something with my friends after a game, maybe the night will go on a bit, but I see nothing wrong with that.

“You have to enjoy life, as if I was locked up in my home for 24 hours a day I’d get stressed out and not perform on the pitch. If one day I get an injury then I’ll adjust, but so far I’ve found nothing wrong with my lifestyle choices.”

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