Nainggolan: We know what we need to do against a great team

The game is a potentially decisive one for both sides - the Giallorossi need to win to retain their advantage in the race for second, while Juve can win the Serie A title if they avoid defeat - and Nainggolan knows he and his teammates will have to be at the best to get a result.

Roma have had setbacks recently, including the derby defeat to Lazio, but the win over AC Milan has given them confidence at the right time.

See what Nainggolan had to say about this weekend in an interview with the club's match programme.

Interviewer: Let's start at the end with last week's brilliant display at San Siro. Which is the real Roma – the derby Roma or the Milan Roma?

Nainggolan: “We made too many mistakes against Lazio for sure but at the end of the day we're still Roma. We know the derby is always a one-off game and unfortunately it turned on a couple of moments.

"We were better in Milan – we more compact and we defended well as a unit, then we hurt them by attacking at pace. To me the real Roma was the one we saw in Milan.”

Juventus are coming to the Olimpico on Sunday – a special match for you.

“Yes, it's always a great game against Juve and a difficult one too. They're possibly the best team in Europe at the moment. People don't realise that Roma are second behind Juve – that means we're a great team.

"It's going to be tough because they're close to winning the title but we need to win to stay second. I hope it all goes well for us.”

Juve's lead at the top means they're under no real pressure, but what would it mean if you were to beat them?

“It would be satisfying because it would mean we've beaten a great team. We need to look at the league table and do everything we possibly can to get the result.”

Do you think they might be a bit tired mentally and physically after their semi-final against Monaco and with the Coppa Italia final to play next week?

“That may be partly the case as they have lots of games one after another. They have a cup final three days later so I don't know what team they'll pick, but even those who haven't played so much have shown they're up to the task. For sure, whoever plays will be giving 100% – just as we will.”

If you had to pick out one name, which Juve player do you think poses the biggest threat?

“I'd say [Gonzalo] Higuain because even when he's having a hard time of things he's able to come up with a goal, as he showed against us. If I have to name one, I'd say him.”

Edin Dzeko won't be involved on Sunday. Will you miss him?

“We've never had to do without him this year and we will miss him because he's been such a big player for us this season with his goals and the way he leads the line. Having said that, we have lots other players who are raring to go and whoever gets the nod will be going all out to impress.”

Massimiliano Allegri handed you your Serie A debut at Cagliari. What sort of relationship did you have with him?

“His results speak for themselves: he's just reached his second Champions League final. When I joined Cagliari he tried to help me settle in as quickly as possible, although I made a few mistakes because I was still young.

"He was good at keeping the squad together and he got results at Cagliari too. At the end of the day it's results that matter when you're a coach.”

In the 18 games since you last played Juve in the league, you've earned exactly the same number of points as them (43). Does that mean there's perhaps not so much difference between the two teams?

“The difference is there to see in the league table. We're a bit annoyed because know we messed up in a few big games. We've shown we're a great team despite making the odd mistake. Now our aim is to finish second and that's what we need to do.”

You're yet to score against Juventus in a Roma shirt...

“It would be nice on a personal level but the main thing for me is that we win.”

Do you feel like a Romanista?

“I get very attached to the clubs I play for – first at Cagliari and now at Rome. The fans like me and that means I've done some good things. It's a fantastic feeling and I'm happy to be here.”