Spalletti: Nainggolan is back to his usual warrior self

Roberto Martinez opted not to call up Nainggolan for the next round of international fixtures, citing a lack of fitness, but the Giallorossi boss had nothing but praise for his battle-hardened midfielder.

“I think he's the Nainggolan we want now, the fighter we all want to see,” Spalletti told journalists at a news conference on Saturday. “He's his usual warrior self again - that's something he can instil in others and something we should all learn from.”

Nainggolan has scored two goals in Roma's last three games – against Sassuolo ten days ago and Austria Wien in midweek – but the coach explained that he's been just as pleased with his all-round contribution.

“Besides the goals he's scored recently, he's been doing both the jobs I've asked him to do. His starting position is in the hole but he drops back into a defensive midfield role when our opponents have the ball, then breaks forward again into space. He harries the opposition and makes it hard for them to start moves.

“He had a couple of games when he played below his usual level. That can happen and when it does your team-mates need to help you out. But he's in good shape again now.”