Five Things We Learned: Giallorossi dig deep to deliver victory

Roma secured a crucial 1-0 win over AC Milan, thanks to Radja Nainggolan’s delightful solo strike.

Our columnist looks at five key points from the contest...

Vital win secured in the trenches

Roma backed up their crucial win in the derby last weekend with a spirited in 1-0 over AC Milan. Despite Roma not being at their free-flowing best against Vincenzo Montella's talented young side, the win was a testament to the team's collective spirit and mental fortitude.

Moreover, the grinding victory sets Roma up nicely heading into their top of the table clash with Juventus on Saturday. Luciano Spalletti was justifiably delighted with his troops' grit and determination, while keeping another clean sheet courtesy of a fine defensive showing was an additional reason for positivity.

Match-winner Nainggolan immense again

Roma's all action yet highly intelligent midfielder was at his game-changing best once again for the Giallorossi. On top of scoring the all-important winner with a superb strike, the Belgian enforcer's overall contribution was of the highest order.

Defensively, he led from the front with his aggressive, well-coordinated pressing and harrying of the opposition. Meanwhile, on the attacking end, his surging runs and link up play caused the Milanese backline headaches throughout.

When asked about his more advanced role, Nainggolan provided a frank, honest and insightful answer, saying: "I'm trying to do my best. It's not an easy position – you really need to put in a hard shift.

“I'm not your typical playmaker No.10 but I'm giving it my best. The main thing is we win as a team.”

Szczesny on song

Wojciech Szczesny's brilliant run of form continued in the win over Milan, although bringing down Gianluca Lapadula inside the box, which resulted in a penalty for the away side, wasn't a great way for him to make his first meaningful contribution. But the Polish international quickly redeemed himself by saving M'Baye Niang's resulting spot kick.

Thereafter, he was on hand to keep the Rossoneri at bay, and oversee Roma keep another vital clean sheet.

Peres injury yet another medical misfortune for the side

Having to be stretchered off during the first half, following a nasty tangle with Mattia De Sciglio, was a cruel stroke of luck for Bruno Peres.

The club will have their fingers crossed that his ankle injury isn't a serious one, for he's an integral component of Spalletti's plans and a player who adds so much dynamism and energy into the side.

Fazio imperious once again

Federico Fazio's been outstanding for Roma since his initial period of adjustment. And last night was no different, as the rugged Argentine went about his work with the utmost authority and effectiveness.

Whenever Suso, Niang or Lapadula ventured into his area of operation, Fazio was imperious in a match where he completed a staggering 15 defensive actions and barely lost an individual duel.

The imposing defender's partnership with Antonio Rudiger and Kostas Manolas is rapidly beginning to become one of the most formidable combinations around.