Radja Nainggolan wary of Chelsea threat ahead of Champions League clash

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has insisted that his side must respect Chelsea ahead of their looming Champions League group-stage clash on Tuesday.

Nainggolan, a known transfer target for the Blues in past summers, shone when the clubs met at Stamford Bridge recently, in a game that almost saw Roma snatch a memorable away win before being silenced by a late equaliser from Eden Hazard.

Speaking ahead of the reverse fixture in Group C, the Belgium international has suggested that his side have the required tools to beat Chelsea in Italy, but will need to be considered in their approach against Antonio Conte's side.

"I don't know if it will be more or less difficult. They'll have more players available, they've been winning," Nainggolan told reporters ahead of the game.

"We respect all teams especially Chelsea but we are aware of our means and work. We played a great game in London - we were close to winning it.

"We must be cautious. We are playing at home, in front of our full capacity crowd. We have what it takes to win the game. If we win tomorrow, it would be a step forward to the knockout round. We take it game by game, our results are good. We must try and score more goals."

Roma currently hold second spot in Group C with five points, two behind current leaders Chelsea.