Roma head coach Rudi Garcia has paid tribute to Bosnia-Herzegovina for not taking risks with Edin Dzeko's fitness during the international break.

Dzeko has been out of action since injuring his knee last month, but he was still called up by Mehmed Bazdarevic for their final two Euro 2016 qualifiers.

The captain did not play in either game as Bosnia settled for a playoff spot, and Garcia was relieved to see the striker handed a rest.

"I have to say that Bosnia managed him very well," the Roma boss told reporters.

"He was not ready to play and he didn't. He might have come on during the second game, but in the end he didn't.

"On Friday he trained with the group for the whole session. He is rediscovering his fitness and starting to play without fear again."

Dzeko is set to make his return against Empoli on Saturday.