Former Inter, Cagliari, and Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan believes that the Nerazzurri have potentially let the league title slip from their fingers despite boasting superior quality to AC Milan.

Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the Belgian expressed the hope that the Nerazzurri could go on and triumph in the race for the Scudetto, although he also is cheering for Cagliari to avoid relegation.

Nainggolan will have reason to root for both the Nerazzurri and the Rossoblu in this evening’s Serie A clash at the Sardegna Arena, as he is a former player for both clubs, and both teams are seeking vital objectives for their season.

Inter will go into the match knowing whether they have the chance to take advantage of a slip-up by the Rossoneri against Atalanta should one arrive, or at least to take the title race into the final day should their city rivals win their match just beforehand.

Meanwhile, the Rossoblu will hope for a result to at least match the draw of relegation rivals Salernitana yesterday, to avoid a devastating relegation to Serie B.

“I would like for Inter to win Scudetto, but I would be overjoyed if Cagliari were saved from relegation,” Nainggolan said. “If I have to choose, however, I say Rossoblu.”

Of the title race between Inter and Milan, he said that “The two teams can only look at themselves. Inter have thrown away a solid lead and now they have to chase with more pressure. Luckily, the Coppa Italia has also arrived.”

Giving his predictions for the title race, the Belgian said that “Inter’s fixture list is better, they can take six points. In any case, Milan are inferior to Inter and, if they do it, it would be thanks to their coach.”

Asked whether he expects the Nerazzurri’s triumph in the Coppa Italia midweek to give them a boost, the midfielder responded “Definitely, it gives you energy.”

“Did you see the great photo of Brozo smoking from the evening’s celebrations?” he mused. “Had I done it, they would have massacred me, but it’s just hypocrisy – what’s wrong with having a cigarette with friends, if you’ve given everything running on the pitch? It makes the celebration more beautiful.”

Asked which Inter player has stood out for him this season, he named “Perisic! In these past two seasons playing at wingback he has become a ridiculous, incredible player.”

“Inter had to renew both him and Brozo at all costs,” he argued, “they did so with the first of the two, but not yet with the second, which I don’t understand.”

Nainggolan also spoke about another former Cagliari midfielder, Inter’s Nicolo Barella, stating that “I don’t know what I would do in his place, maybe I wouldn’t have played it because it’s easier.”

“I know Nicolo,” he added, “I know how much he loves Cagliari, but he has to do his job, fight for the Scudetto. That’s what’s right. It certainly won’t be easy, it will linger in his head.”