Luciano Spalletti praised “thoroughbred” Radja Nainggolan who “has to be allowed to follow his instinct” after Roma mauled Sampdoria 4-0.
The Belgian bagged a brace, including an incredible volley from 20 metres into the far top corner, along with Edin Dzeko’s angled drive and a Stephan El Shaarawy lob.
Luciano Spalletti praised “thoroughbred” Radja Nainggolan who “has to be allowed to follow his instinct” after Roma mauled Sampdoria 4-0.
The Belgian bagged a brace, including an incredible volley from 20 metres into the far top corner, along with Edin Dzeko’s angled drive and a Stephan El Shaarawy lob.
“We have given consistency to what we’ve done recently, but Sampdoria pressed us hard in the first half, moved the ball quicker and caused us problems,” the Coach told Rai Sport.
“It took us a while to find the right pace for the ball and it went better after the break. Mario Rui did well and could’ve had more spaces to play in, but he was a bit tired at the end, so I took him off.
“Nainggolan is made of different stuff. He’s strong, can play in any position and needs spaces to roam. If you pen him in, he can struggle, but a thoroughbred has to be allowed to run free and follow its instinct.
“Dzeko is an excellent striker, but with his physicality and height it’s impressive how co-ordinated he is in his movement.
“When results are put together, the enthusiasm helps everything seem easier and you recover from fatigue a day early. However, I maintain the first half was not something we ought to be enthusiastic about.
“If that shot had gone in off the post, we would’ve been in trouble. It took a sensational goal from Nainggolan to break the deadlock.
“Nainggolan has returned to being that player who knows how to do everything. Federico Fazio commands the defensive line, Juan Jesus did so well tonight and he sprinted back to stop Luis Muriel going clear.
“I am above all pleased that everyone is giving their contribution, even those who come off the bench or don’t play as often. There are many strong sides out there, so if you don’t follow up good results, especially in Italian football, it takes a moment for it to all come crashing down.”