Spalletti: Nainggolan ready for Inter return

Luciano Spalletti has welcomed Radja Nainggolan back to his Inter squad for its Serie A game against Genoa.

Inter midfielder Radja Nainggolan

Radja Nainggolan is fit enough to be included in Inter's squad to face Genoa, but will only play from the bench, says head coach Luciano Spalletti.

Nainggolan has been out of action since last month's derby win over AC Milan, having been substituted during the game after a challenge with Lucas Biglia.

The midfielder missed Inter's Champions League loss away to Barcelona and its win over Lazio last time out, but could make his return against Genoa.

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"I'll bring Nainggolan with me. It seems unlikely that he'll play a key role. But, he's in the group and he could play for 30 minutes because he has the character and the will to be there," Spalletti told a news conference.

"Do we need to rotate? No, the players are all in good condition and ready to play tomorrow and give their contributions."

"Joao Mario didn't feature for 10 games but he showed that he was ready to work in the right way as soon as I called on him [at Lazio]. Lautaro [Martinez] is a quality player with good characteristics and he can give us a hand in these games."

Although Genoa has not won any of its last four matches, Spalletti will not take the points for granted. Inter is on a run of six successive Serie A victories, with the return against Barca to come in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"Genoa's most recent performances, including the one less than three days ago, increase our level of alertness. Whenever we take to the pitch, we need to show that we're better than our opponents," Spalletti added.

"We are obliged to become an attractive and strong team, one that plays football at an important level that lives up to the fans who always fill the stadium. We need to be worthy of playing on the big stage and the affection of our fans."

"We need to play a clean, fast and technical brand of football while making the right decisions as has happened in the most recent matches."

"Then, it's strong players who interpret their roles. The intensity in games and the choices that we make will determine the results."