Nainggolan omitted from squad for Atalanta game

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco announced on Friday that midfielder Radja Nainggolan will be left out of his squad for the game against Atalanta, following this week's controversy.

Nainggolan has found himself the subject of discussion thorughout the past week, following a live broadcast on social media over the New Year that raised questions about some of his conduct.

The player has subsequently been subject to internal disciplinary proceedings and, as part of that, Di Francesco confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Nainggolan will not play at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

“In line with the club’s code of conduct, which I fully endorse and the player himself accepts, Radja Nainggolan will not be selected for tomorrow’s game against Atalanta,” Di Francesco said.

“This is a policy that applies across the board, should anyone from AS Roma or representing Roma make certain mistakes that are no longer acceptable.

“Anyone who is wrong in a similar fashion will be punished in the same way. These are the rules. Beyond this, the thoughts and opinions [of others] really don’t interest me. I will just state again that Radja will not play tomorrow.”