D'Amico: Facing Inter is a major motivation for us

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will address the media shortly following Roma's draw against Inter.

Roma sporting director Tony D'Amico spoke to reporters ahead of the fifth Serie A match between Roma and Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026, with both sides unbeaten. On the acquisition of Leonardo Balerdi, D'Amico explained the club's reasoning and confirmed the deal's timing: "We needed to strengthen the defence with an experienced player, although he is still young. He has physical strength and pace. We have been following him for years, and in the last week we had the opportunity to acquire him on good terms as well. We are very happy. We have known him for years, we know the human values too, which are very important to us in building the squad." D'Amico stressed that Inter remain the benchmark as defending Serie A champions. "Inter is the reference team, Italian champions, strong and complete. For us it is a great motivation to test ourselves against the best," he said. When asked about the criticism surrounding Luca Percassi, D'Amico deflected focus to the immediate challenge: "In a pre-match like this, with a stadium like this, we think about enjoying this match, which will be difficult but I hope beautiful for us. We think about today and the future." On Manu Koné's recovery and availability for the fixture, D'Amico was positive: "Manu is well. We are happy with the whole squad. We know that whoever is called every Sunday always gives their contribution. After the break we will have many matches and we will need everyone. We hope Manu plays well tonight too."

Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta spoke ahead of today's fifth-round Serie A match between Roma and Inter, describing the fixture as a significant test. Marotta acknowledged Roma's early-season form, saying: "The Roma has demonstrated, in this start to the season, not only in points but also in the play expressed, to be a team of all respect." He also praised Gasperini's tactical influence on the club, highlighting the quality of football and concepts the Roma coach has instilled. Marotta framed the encounter as a chance for Inter to prove their credentials as defending champions. "It will be a beautiful challenge against an opponent of great value," he said. "Regardless of the result, it counts a lot the performance that we manage to offer." The Inter chief also reflected on the recent loss of Sandro Mazzola, calling him "a piece of nerazzurri history" who represented important values the club must preserve and transmit to future generations.