Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media on the eve of Roma's fixture against Inter, acknowledging the scale of the challenge ahead while expressing satisfaction with his team's start to the season. Gasperini framed the match as a significant occasion for both clubs: "It is a satisfaction to arrive at an appointment in this league position, with the matches and victories we have obtained, just as Inter have done. It is an important appointment: a full stadium, a great atmosphere, lots of enthusiasm, two teams that are getting important results." He praised the competitive energy around the fixture while warning against over-reliance on early momentum, noting that setbacks are inevitable in a balanced Italian league.
Gasperini was direct about Inter's standing in Serie A. "Without any doubt, Inter is the reference team for our league and for everyone," he said. "It is a team that over time is doing extraordinary things in Italy and in Europe, because it has played two finals in recent times. It is a very strong team and this I think is recognised by everyone. For the other teams, seeking to get closer and compete with them is certainly a reference point." He acknowledged Roma's progress from the previous season while explaining that the club's ambition is to narrow the gap with the champions. Gasperini also confirmed that all key players—Manu Koné, Evan N'Dicka, Wesley, and Lorenzo Pellegrini—would be available for selection: "I continue to cross my fingers. We are all here for tomorrow, so we are all available. This is already an extraordinary result, because it rarely happens."
On the tactical challenge posed by Inter, Gasperini reflected on historical patterns. "There was a period in which we managed to get results against Inter, then in recent years it has not been that way; instead there have always been defeats," he said. "It can be a bit the tactical aspect, although the coaches have changed: there was Conte, then Inzaghi arrived and now Chivu has arrived. The result has not changed." He drew a parallel to Juventus's period of dominance, suggesting that such runs are cyclical. Gasperini stressed that his approach remains outcome-focused: "For me it is fundamental to always try to do things for the team's result, so to achieve the result. Every match is different: the performances of the players can be different, as can those of the opponents. It is fundamental to read the situation moment by moment, because today it is unpredictable what can happen tomorrow in the ninety minutes."
Gasperini noted that Pellegrini, who has been sidelined, is now available for selection after training regularly with the squad for the second consecutive week. The coach indicated that the upcoming international break might provide an opportunity for additional recovery or friendly matches for players with limited recent playing time, though no specific plans were announced.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“Gian Piero Gasperini, alla vigilia di Roma-Inter, ha parlato in conferenza stampa.
Cosa significa questa partita per la Roma?
“Intanto è una soddisfazione arrivare a un appuntamento in questa situazione di classifica, con le partite e le vittorie che abbiamo ottenuto, così come mi pare abbia…”
Read the full article in Italian at Retesport.
