Radja: To beat Inter we need to stop their attack

The midfielder acknowledges it has been an up-and-down start to the season - both from a personal and team perspective - but believes an impressive performance against the Nerazzurri on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico can set the tone for the next part of the season.

See what Nainggolan had to say in the transcript below.

You secured an important win yesterday against Astra Giurgiu to put the Torino defeat behind you.

“It was indeed important. That game aside, we're fully aware of what we're capable of. Some games go wrong. We've responded well though now. We now face a big league match and we'll try to play as best we can and record three points."

Roma hadn't won in Europe since November 2015 - seven matches without a victory. Why had you struggled so much?

"Our groups weren't particularly easy in recent years, whereas now it seems more straightforward and we've managed to win one."

Yesterday saw a third 4-0 win at the Olimpico, whereas you're yet to win on your travels. How do you explain that?

"Obviously playing at home drives us on more. Part of our struggles have been down to us. If I watch back the Cagliari game where we were leading 2-0 and they came back - we were mainly at fault there."

You come on in the second half against Astra. How important is it to have team-mates who can come in and give you a breather after your efforts at the Euros?

"I'm feeling better all the time despite the fact I only had half a pre-season and the tough experience at the Euros. I'm not looking for excuses though. I think I was on good form until the Porto match, then I faded a bit after that and now I'm looking to start firing on all cylinders again for my team-mates, so it's good to have a rest from time to time."

Does it change much if you play with a more physical centre forward like Edin Dzeko or with more technical players like Diego Perotti or Mohamed Salah?

"We played well with Perotti up front last season, while Dzeko's on top form this term. He's looking nice and fresh and is creating a lot of chances. He's a good striker and he's showing how useful he can be."

Dzeko might come up against Mauro Icardi on Sunday.

"Over the last few years, Icardi has proven himself to be a first-rate striker and it's up to us to stop him. We need to avoid conceding if we want to win. We've let in too many goals of late, so we'll try to halt Inter's forwards because that's the area of the pitch where they're strongest."

Besides Icardi, who else would you take from Inter?

"[Ivan] Perisic."

The Nerazzurri come into Sunday's match on the back of a 3-1 loss at Sparta Prague. Will it already be an important match in the context of the league season?

"Inter are doing well this season and it's a big game for us in the league because we're a point behind them and beating a team like them would be a great sign."

What have you made of Inter as they look to introduce a new playing style under Frank de Boer?

"Obviously it takes time. When someone comes in with new ideas they need to have time to implement them as best they can. They're playing well at the moment, they lost against Sparta Prague but I think they could have a good season in the league."

Kevin Strootman is back playing regular football again. How important is he for you as a team?

"You can tell he's trying to improve game by game. He's never satisfied and he puts across that determination on the pitch too. We all know he's a big player for us. I'm above all happy for him that he's back playing and he's on top form. That's great for us."

Your second daughter was born in Rome. What does this city mean to you and your family?

"I've loved it here since day one and I've decided to stay. I think this city - and this team - is a nice place to be. I'm convinced we can achieve great things here, hence why I decided to stay. I live well here and I have everything I need to be happy and that's what matters."

You've had close ties with the Roma fans right from the start. Do you have anything to say to them?

"I hope this issue with the barriers in the stadium gets sorted out as soon as possible because we can feel we're missing that extra lift."