Inter coach Luciano Spalletti lauded Radja Nainggolan for his approach after his influential substitute appearance on Saturday, though he warned the Belgian that sometimes he puts too many things ahead of football.
Keita Balde netted the lone goal as the Nerazzurri secured a 1-0 victory over Empoli to extend their unbeaten run in Serie A to four matches.
Nainggolan was left out of Inter’s squad for their midweek match against Napoli after being disciplined by the club, and Spalletti admits the Belgian sometimes loses his focus.
“Radja was brought on because we were missing that final touch today,” he told the assembled press after the match. “He increases our quality.
“I put him on because I thought he could give us a hand, and that’s something the coach decides. We want the best for him, he’s a sensible lad and has all the qualities of someone that behaves well.
“However, sometimes he is attracted to other things, and if you put too many things in front of football, it loses out. He has three or four things that he puts ahead of football.”
Keita Balde has become a key figure for Inter in recent weeks after a slow start to the season, and Spalletti lauded the forward for his attitude.
“Everyone can’t play all the time,” he added. “It’s important to rotate them and get the best of them.
“He is a great lad in every respect. He is always happy and jokes more than others.
“His Italian and Roman is great so it allows him to joke with his teammates. I’ve discovered a completely different person compared to the man who played at Lazio.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com