Roma manager Rudi Garcia has heaped praise on Mattia Destro after the forward's hat-trick helped his side to a 3-1 win over Cagliari this afternoon.

The Giallorossi managed to cut the gap on league leaders Juventus to five points and with Francesco Totti rested, Destro was able to show the impact he can have when playing in a central forward role.

"Today he proved that he is not only a box striker, but a complete forward and he understood you have to give your all in every second of every game. He must maintain that desire to win," Garcia told Sky Sport Italia.

"It's true that when Francesco Totti isn't playing, Destro is a very useful centre-forward. Playing with the others he can only improve, but even when he plays out wide – even with freedom of movement – he can spread his influence in different areas. I don't like any of my forwards to stay in a specific position."

Destro's first career hat-trick has taken his tally to 13 league goals for Roma this season.