Collovati: Gasperini has the better defence ahead of Roma-Inter

Roma and Inter, the only two Serie A sides with 12 points after four rounds, meet at the Olimpico on Saturday in a high-stakes title clash. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have made a superb start to their second season in charge, winning all four league matches by an aggregate of 12–1, including a 2–0 victory at Torino on Monday with goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli. That came after a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahce in their opening Europa League fixture. Roma will attempt to reverse a damaging recent record: they have won only two of their last 16 encounters with Inter (D6, L10), and have lost their last five league clashes against them at home, failing to score four times in that sequence. The Giallorossi will seek to avenge an embarrassing 5–2 defeat from their last meeting. Despite the historical disadvantage, Roma's form this season suggests they can compete. They are the only Serie A team to have scored at least two goals in each of the first four rounds, and have extended their remarkable winning streak in the division to 11 games, including matches from last season. They are the second-highest scorers in Italy's top flight after four matchdays. Roma are also unbeaten in their last 14 home league matches (W11, D3) and boast one of the best defensive records in Europe's top-five leagues this season—only Arsenal and Freiburg have conceded as few goals as the Giallorossi (1). Inter, the reigning champions, are unbeaten in their last 30 Serie A games (W23, D6) despite netting just once in their only league trip so far in 2026–27, a narrow win over Cagliari. They top the scoring charts with 13 goals and have demonstrated remarkable fighting spirit, coming from 2–0 down to beat Napoli 3–2 and Udinese 5–3. However, they have conceded five goals across their last two league matches and let in at least two goals in three of their last five Serie A away games. Gasperini will have his entire squad available on Saturday, with Wesley Franca and Evan N'Dicka resuming full training earlier in the week. Manu Koné, who came off the bench at Turin, could return to the starting lineup in place of Pisilli. Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are expected to start behind Malen. Inter will be without midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (adductor strain) and summer signing John Stones (thigh injury), with Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni forming the defensive trio. Marcus Thuram could make his first Serie A start of the season after two impressive substitute appearances. Roma's projected lineup: Svilar; Mancini, Balerdi, N'Dicka; Molina, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen. Inter's projected lineup: J. Martínez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Jones, Dimarco; Thuram, L. Martínez.

Daniele Aloisi has been appointed to referee the Roma-Inter match. The official's history against Roma is regarded as unfavourable, but head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed confidence in him, saying he will be "perfect". Gasperini acknowledged Inter's superiority ahead of the fixture, stating: "Inter nettamente più forte, ma proveremo a inserirci" (Inter are considerably stronger, but we will try to get involved). The Roma manager framed the referee question as a non-issue, focusing instead on the tactical challenge posed by their opponents. On 18 September, Roma held their final training session before entering a retreat at Trigoria, part of Gasperini's preparation strategy for the match.

Roma will host Inter on 19 September at 18:00 at the Stadio Olimpico in a top-of-the-table fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 18 September and confirmed that Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka, Wesley and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all available for selection. Gasperini described the occasion as a source of satisfaction given Roma's strong start to the season and praised the environment at the stadium. Gasperini acknowledged Inter's standing in Serie A, saying: "Without any doubt Inter is the reference team for our league. Over time they are doing extraordinary things both in Italy and in Europe. For other teams, trying to get closer and compete with them is certainly a reference." He framed the fixture as an opportunity rather than a burden, stating that positive energy and desire to perform are forces to harness. The head coach also ruled out complacency, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the tactical battle ahead. On the injury front, Gasperini delivered encouraging news: "I continue to cross my fingers. We are all available for tomorrow, so everyone is fit. This is already an extraordinary result." Pellegrini, recovering from injury, has now completed a second consecutive week of full training with the squad and is ready to play. Gasperini also expressed confidence in young defender Emanuele Lulli, saying: "He is a player who has come through in recent matches and needs a development process, perhaps accelerating through certain steps. I am very satisfied with what he is doing." Regarding the referee appointment, Gasperini added: "Tomorrow Massa will be perfect. There will be no more controversy."

Roma and Inter, the only two Serie A sides with 12 points after four rounds, meet at the Olimpico on Saturday in a high-stakes title clash. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have made a superb start to their second season in charge, winning all four league matches by an aggregate of 12–1, including a 2–0 victory at Torino on Monday with goals from Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli. That came after a 1–1 draw at Fenerbahce in their opening Europa League fixture. Roma will attempt to reverse a damaging recent record: they have won only two of their last 16 encounters with Inter (D6, L10), and have lost their last five league clashes against them at home, failing to score four times in that sequence. The Giallorossi will seek to avenge an embarrassing 5–2 defeat from their last meeting. Despite the historical disadvantage, Roma's form this season suggests they can compete. They are the only Serie A team to have scored at least two goals in each of the first four rounds, and have extended their remarkable winning streak in the division to 11 games, including matches from last season. They are the second-highest scorers in Italy's top flight after four matchdays. Roma are also unbeaten in their last 14 home league matches (W11, D3) and boast one of the best defensive records in Europe's top-five leagues this season—only Arsenal and Freiburg have conceded as few goals as the Giallorossi (1). Inter, the reigning champions, are unbeaten in their last 30 Serie A games (W23, D6) despite netting just once in their only league trip so far in 2026–27, a narrow win over Cagliari. They top the scoring charts with 13 goals and have demonstrated remarkable fighting spirit, coming from 2–0 down to beat Napoli 3–2 and Udinese 5–3. However, they have conceded five goals across their last two league matches and let in at least two goals in three of their last five Serie A away games. Gasperini will have his entire squad available on Saturday, with Wesley Franca and Evan N'Dicka resuming full training earlier in the week. Manu Koné, who came off the bench at Turin, could return to the starting lineup in place of Pisilli. Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé are expected to start behind Malen. Inter will be without midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu (adductor strain) and summer signing John Stones (thigh injury), with Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni forming the defensive trio. Marcus Thuram could make his first Serie A start of the season after two impressive substitute appearances. Roma's projected lineup: Svilar; Mancini, Balerdi, N'Dicka; Molina, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen. Inter's projected lineup: J. Martínez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Zielinski, Jones, Dimarco; Thuram, L. Martínez.

Roma's flying form has sparked title-race optimism among the club's supporters, with actor Carlo Verdone telling Corriere dello Sport that this season could be their moment. Verdone praised head coach Gasperini's work, saying: "It could be the right year, yes. Gasperini is doing a huge job, he's brought out genuinely incredible players and the squad is performing very well." He singled out defender Emanuele Lulli as an unexpected prospect and midfielders Niccolò Pisilli and Leonardo Balerdi for particular praise, with Verdone describing Balerdi—a recent arrival—as "very strong" and predicting Lulli will soon feature for Italy. On the threat posed by Inter, Verdone acknowledged the challenge ahead. "Inter are genuinely frightening, without doubt," he said. "They're a team that becomes a force when they attack—we've seen that in this opening stretch of the season and last season under a good coach like Chivu. But Inter can also give something away, as the Udinese match showed. Roma have the best defence in the league, but the Nerazzurri are always scary."

Radio commentators across Rome's main sports stations weighed in on Saturday's clash between Roma and Inter, the league leaders, with opinion divided over which team should be considered favourites and how Gasperini should set up his squad. Giancarlo Padovan backed Roma at 60–40 odds, saying: "The value will show itself over time. I give Roma 60% and Inter 40%; for me Roma wins tomorrow. But this is a discussion that must be seen over the long term. Roma is playing better and will assert its form, its enthusiasm, and for that reason Roma wins. But the championship is not finished: Inter's values will come out, and the head-to-head with Roma will go on until the end of the championship. Inter is capable of recovering any gap that might open tomorrow." David Rossi warned against complacency: "I see a danger — the idea is creeping into the Roma soul that we are favourites tomorrow, and I don't like this thing. Roma is a very important squad, but we must not fall into the error of thinking we are favourites. If Roma won tomorrow, and after five matches found itself top with a perfect record after winning the direct clash, would you think it is the favourite for the Scudetto? I don't. For me Inter would remain the favourite." Stefano Agresti called it level: "Roma is certainly playing better, the numbers say so — it has won matches dominating, some also under pressure — but I cannot forget what Inter is and its strength: I believe it continues to have something more than Roma as a squad. For me it is truly even." On team selection, Gianluca Piacentini suggested deploying Balerdi, Lulli and Pisilli as trequartista with Dybala and Malen in front, arguing that using a high midfielder would not abandon Gasperini's football. Lorenzo Pes favoured N'Dicka over Balerdi on Saturday evening because of structure, and predicted Wesley would move to the right flank for a duel with Dimarco if Molina played on the left. Alessio Nardo offered tactical advice: "I would give advice to our players for Saturday's match against Inter: shoot — shoot on goal. Martinez is a goalkeeper who is now insecure, suffering the moment. With the Olimpico being a cauldron and putting pressure, let us try to engage him and expose his limits." Piero Torri cautioned that after the international break, Como–Roma would be extremely tough, especially with South American players departing: "When the South Americans leave it is always tough: there is the long journey and the time zone to absorb."

Gian Piero Gasperini has refused to set title ambitions after Roma's opening four consecutive victories, insisting that realistic objectives can only be discussed after roughly 20 matches. Speaking to Sky Sport Insider, the coach acknowledged the city's dreams but grounded expectations in reality: "The reality is that objectives can be discussed only after about twenty matches. Setting them after four or five makes no sense. We certainly have confidence, certainly we want to be high in the table, but at this moment this is the only concrete objective." Gasperini defended his squad's trajectory by noting that Roma began the season with significant advantages over last year's opener. "We had the conviction of having good preparation behind us, and a squad that started advantaged compared to the beginning of last season: we have been together longer, we know each other better, many things we have already assimilated," he said. He highlighted younger players including Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Daniele Ghilardi, praising their hunger and willingness to learn. On Leonardo Balerdi's impact, Gasperini noted the Argentine defender had delivered "immediately positive" form despite completing only partial preparation with the club, drawing a comparison to Franco Baresi for his recovery speed, intensity in challenges, and composure in building play. Gasperini outlined the complementary nature of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen: "Their characteristics fit together well. Dybala has the capacity to read Malen's runs even when it seems he is not looking at him, and the quality with which he serves him is remarkable. Malen for his part has an extraordinary capacity to convert into goals actions that seem simple but are not. It is a combination that works." He reflected on Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years, describing it as not assured: "The Champions League forces you to overcome obstacles, gives you the opportunity to play against Europe's best teams, puts you against a more difficult and complicated football from which you can grow." When asked to identify flaws, Gasperini said: "The big defects we have eliminated." He credited the unity among environment, squad, supporters and the board as the club's greatest strength, and acknowledged the broader social environment's influence on results as deeply positive.

Gian Piero Gasperini has outlined Roma's approach after a perfect beginning to the 2026-27 season, emphasizing that while supporters are entitled to dream of the Serie A title, the club itself remains grounded in reality. Speaking to Sky Sport on 17 September, the head coach reflected on four consecutive wins and the mental benefit they bring, noting that Roma started this season in a stronger position than a year ago. "Me lo auguravo, più che aspettarmelo," he said. "D'altronde avevamo la convinzione di avere alle spalle un buon rodaggio, e una squadra che partiva avvantaggiata rispetto all'inizio della scorsa stagione: siamo insieme da più tempo, ci conosciamo meglio, tante cose le abbiamo già assimilate." On the atmosphere at the club after more than a year in the capital, Gasperini stressed the positive influence of Roma's environment. "L'ambiente influenza tantissimo. Ma come ho sempre detto, influenza in modo positivo, non negativo, perché è un ambiente di grande passione e di grande amore verso la propria squadra, e quindi sono tutte componenti fortemente positive." He credited the unity between players, supporters, club and management as Roma's greatest strength. "Il pregio più grande, tra i tanti, è che si è creata una grande unità tra ambiente, squadra, tifoseria e società, e questo è qualcosa che ti aiuta a lavorare bene e ti dà fiducia per fare i migliori risultati." Gasperini praised the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, explaining their complementary qualities. "Dybala ha la capacità di leggere gli smarcamenti di Malen anche quando sembra non guardarlo, e la qualità con cui lo serve è notevole. Malen dal canto suo ha una straordinaria capacità di tradurre in gol azioni che sembrano semplici ma non lo sono." He also highlighted the development of young players including Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Daniele Ghilardi, noting their professionalism and desire to improve. On the Scudetto question, Gasperini rejected setting concrete objectives so early. "L'asticella non si alza mettendo degli obiettivi più o meno raggiungibili: si alza migliorando ogni giorno." He added: "Ci rendiamo conto che intorno a noi si fanno tutte le previsioni possibili, ed è giusto così: la gente ha i suoi sogni, vuole il massimo. Per quanto riguarda noi, come ogni anno, dobbiamo guardare in faccia la realtà." Gasperini described upcoming matches against Inter, Como and Real Madrid as opportunities to measure Roma's true capabilities against elite opponents, noting that Como are a team "doing truly giant steps" and now belong among the campaign's big sides. On Leonardo Balerdi's arrival and immediate impact, he explained a comparison he had made to Franco Baresi, emphasizing shared defensive characteristics rather than absolute level. Balerdi, he said, had arrived in excellent condition despite limited preparation time and had already proven himself a strong professional making an instant contribution.

Gian Piero Gasperini has praised Roma's start to the 2026-27 season after four straight victories, crediting preparation and familiarity for the strong opening. "I hoped for it rather than expected it," he said. "We had the conviction of good training behind us, and a squad that started with an advantage compared to the start of last season: we've been together longer, we know each other better, we've already assimilated many things." Gasperini highlighted the club's unity between environment, squad, supporters and hierarchy as Roma's greatest strength. He explained how the younger players—Lulli, Pisilli and Ghilardi among them—drive improvement through their hunger to learn despite playing in Serie A at a very young age, while established figures like Balerdi set a professional standard. He noted that the defensive solidity on display contradicts his reputation for attacking football, but attributed this to balance rather than a change of philosophy. Roma's return to the Champions League after seven years, he added, exposes the team to Europe's best sides and accelerates their growth. On the striking partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, Gasperini said: "Perhaps it's the fact that they are complementary—their characteristics fit well together. Dybala has the capacity to read Malen's movement even when he seems not to be looking at him, and the quality with which he serves him is remarkable. Malen for his part has an extraordinary capacity to turn into goals actions that seem simple but are not. It's a combination that works." He drew comparison between Balerdi and Franco Baresi, explaining: "With Balerdi I said Baresi, because by characteristics—obviously not by absolute level—Balerdi reminds me of Franco: the speed with which Baresi went to recover certain danger situations, the intensity with which he went into challenges, the security with which he set up play... It's in this mix of modernity and ancient qualities that I see the similarity." When asked about scudetto expectations after four games, Gasperini was cautious. "The reality is that objectives can only be discussed after about twenty matches," he said. "Setting them after four or five games makes no sense. Of course we have confidence, of course we want to be high in the table, but right now this is the only concrete objective."

Roma will host Inter on 19 September at 18:00 at the Stadio Olimpico in a top-of-the-table fixture. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 18 September and confirmed that Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka, Wesley and Lorenzo Pellegrini are all available for selection. Gasperini described the occasion as a source of satisfaction given Roma's strong start to the season and praised the environment at the stadium. Gasperini acknowledged Inter's standing in Serie A, saying: "Without any doubt Inter is the reference team for our league. Over time they are doing extraordinary things both in Italy and in Europe. For other teams, trying to get closer and compete with them is certainly a reference." He framed the fixture as an opportunity rather than a burden, stating that positive energy and desire to perform are forces to harness. The head coach also ruled out complacency, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the tactical battle ahead. On the injury front, Gasperini delivered encouraging news: "I continue to cross my fingers. We are all available for tomorrow, so everyone is fit. This is already an extraordinary result." Pellegrini, recovering from injury, has now completed a second consecutive week of full training with the squad and is ready to play. Gasperini also expressed confidence in young defender Emanuele Lulli, saying: "He is a player who has come through in recent matches and needs a development process, perhaps accelerating through certain steps. I am very satisfied with what he is doing." Regarding the referee appointment, Gasperini added: "Tomorrow Massa will be perfect. There will be no more controversy."

Roma face Inter at the Olimpico on 19 September with kickoff at 18:00 in a sold-out fixture, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirming his full squad is available for the match. Both sides arrive with perfect records, but Gasperini acknowledged Inter's status as the benchmark in Serie A. "Inter is the reference team for our championship and everyone else's," he said. "It's a team doing extraordinary things in Italy and in Europe, with two finals in recent times, it's very strong, recognised by everyone. Then for the others it's a reference point, to try to get closer and compete with them, it's an ambition for everyone because their strength is recognised." Gasperini framed Roma's ambition within realistic terms, describing the task as one of insertion into an ever-higher band of the league rather than overtaking Inter. "We're looking to insert ourselves into an increasingly higher tier of the championship," he explained. On Inter's advantage over Roma specifically, he said: "I think against everyone they have something more, the results show it and they are striking. You have to also have the serenity to recognise it. We look at ourselves, not others: I'm satisfied with what we're doing." The coach also reflected on his record against Inter, noting that results have shifted in their favour in recent seasons despite changes in their managerial personnel. "It can be that they've been my kryptonite," he said. "There was a period where I found results with Inter, in recent years that hasn't been the case. The coaches have also changed: Conte, Inzaghi, Chivu, and the result hasn't changed." On team news, Gasperini confirmed that Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka and Wesley are all available for selection, with Lorenzo Pellegrini also fit after training with the squad for two consecutive weeks. "It's extraordinary because it happens rarely," Gasperini said of having his full complement. "Then of course, there's someone who is better and worse, there was also some flu. Today is the final training session, but we'll all be there." He backed young defender Emanuele Lulli as capable of performing at this level, noting: "If he plays in the league he's able to do the same in the Champions League. He's young, he's making a path, skipping stages quickly. I look at the present and yes, I'm satisfied with him." On tactical flexibility for the Inter match, Gasperini indicated willingness to adapt his approach. When asked whether Niccolò Pisilli or Bryan Cristante might play in an attacking midfield role, he said: "For me it's fundamental to try to do everything for the result. Every match is different, performances change, players change. It's fundamental to read the situation at the right moment. Against Atalanta I put two defenders to win it, for example. Even changes between defenders must be considered."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on the eve of Roma's fixture against Inter, scheduled for Saturday 19 September at 18:00 at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma arrive at the encounter unbeaten after four matches and level on points with Inter at the top of the Serie A table. The coach emphasised the significance of the moment: "The satisfaction of arriving at an appointment in this situation. It's a fine fixture, stadium full, great enthusiasm. I'd stop at this sensation of a much-anticipated encounter early in the season, very positive on both sides." Gasperini acknowledged Inter's standing as the benchmark in Italian football while defending Roma's progress. "Inter is the reference team in our championship, doing extraordinary things in Italy and Europe too. It's a very strong team. For the other teams it's a reference point to try to get closer, precisely because Inter's strength right now is recognised," he said. The coach has managed Roma for one year and noted the gap has narrowed, though he stressed the need for realism: "Not just against Roma, it's in the points and victories they've accumulated. We must have the serenity to acknowledge these things are objective. We must look at ourselves. I'm satisfied with how we're doing to insert ourselves into an ever-higher band of the championship. Inter has been the strongest team in the championship for years, then Napoli inserted itself for a few years. We're trying to insert ourselves. Compared to last year we've certainly grown." On squad fitness, Gasperini confirmed availability ahead of the Inter clash. "I keep crossing my fingers: we're all here for tomorrow, already that's an extraordinary result. Some knocks are part of normal life. Today is the final session and even small things will be overcome," he said. He addressed Emanuele Lulli's readiness, noting: "I won't get into that detail. He's a lad who came through recently, doing a path by skipping stages in a fast way. I'm looking at the present, and I'm very satisfied with what he's doing." On Lorenzo Pellegrini's return from injury: "Pellegrini is the second week training. He can do everything, he's available. In his case the long break could help. We'll see if it's the case to play some friendlies." Gasperini also reflected on Roma's historical record against Inter: "It may be. There was a period when I managed to get results, then always defeats. But managers have changed, and the result hasn't changed... (laughs). But Inter got these results with many teams, Juventus for example. Evidently there are many components. Certainly it's a strong team." On tactical flexibility for the Inter fixture, Gasperini said: "For me it's fundamental to try to do things to reach the result. Every match is different. Today it's unpredictable what tomorrow might be. Solutions are sought to find the result, to win it." He noted his willingness to adapt structure, citing his time at Atalanta: "I did it with Atalanta by putting two defenders, but to win it, not to lose it. You have to get used to changes in defenders—with changes in strikers this should be considered too." On defending options, he confirmed flexibility: "Both [Nahuel Molina and Wesley] can play on one side and the other. Being right-footed both are different plays, but they're skilled enough to play on both flanks."