Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has revealed that Belgium will play to win in their friendly clash at home against Italy on November 13.
The 27-year-old admits that the Red Devils, who are currently ranked as the best national team in the world according to the FIFA rankings, may face some difficulty in defeating Antonio Conte’s men due to their tactical displays as of late, but still remains confident in his country’s chances of earning a victory.
Nainggolan spoke to dhnet.be about the upcoming clash with the Azzurri and commented on the Italian team’s quality at the moment.
“The friendly against Italy will be a challenge because I’ll be facing the country where I met my wife and where I’m living today,” said the Giallorossi star.
“Italy no longer have the great players of the past in their national team, but they’re still a very high quality side.
“Tactically, they are very strong, so it will be difficult for us to attack them. Personally, I will do my best like always, even though [Roma team-mate Alessandro] Florenzi wrote me saying that he hopes I don’t.
“We will play to win.”
The midfielder also touched on Roma’s triumphant 2-0 win over Lazio on November 8 and commented on what it felt like to wear the captain’s armband during the heated derby.
“The derby victory was a great moment,” he said. “Wearing the captain’s armband will be something that will remain in my memory forever.
“My future with the Giallorossi? I will always be there, even if I’m not the captain.”
