Nainggolan suggests new head coach for Roma: ‘Did better than Mourinho’ | OneFootball

Former Giallorossi midfielder Radja Nainggolan has weighed in on the debate over the next permanent Roma head coach after Claudio Ranieri steps into a directorship role at the end of the season, suggesting that a return for club legend Daniele De Rossi should be considered.

Two of Nainggolan’s former clubs, Inter and Roma, face off in Serie A on Sunday afternoon. Inter are still pushing for the Serie A title, while the Giallorossi have picked up more points than any other side in the division this calendar year.

“The Nerazzurri have players with the right personality to overcome the last two defeats. I would like Roma to continue on their positive streak, but the level between the squads is different, and there will be a desire to react in San Siro,” the former Belgium international said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Nainggolan suggests De Rossi return for Roma: ‘Better than Mourinho’

Also among the topics of discussion was the next Roma head coach. A large selection of names have been linked with a move to the Stadio Olimpico, including Massimiliano Allegri and Roberto Mancini at various stages, but recent reports suggest that the frontrunners include Maurizio Sarri, Stefano Pioli, Vincenzo Montella and Patrick Vieira.

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Daniele De Rossi looks on prior to the Serie A match against Empoli at Stadio Olimpico on August 25, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Nainggolan, however, believes that the Giallorossi would be wise to re-appoint De Rossi, who was dismissed four games into the 2024-25 season and replaced by Ivan Juric, who himself was sacked just a few months later.

“The name for me has always been De Rossi, who did better than Mourinho when he first came into the Roma dugout. He deserved more time,” Nainggolan told La Gazzetta dello Sport.