Gasperini on Inter clash: 'We want to make our fans proud'

Roma host Inter at the Olimpico tonight in a fixture weighted with significance for both clubs' championship ambitions. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the scale of the challenge, saying Inter are "more powerful, as they have shown in recent years. Stronger not just than Roma, but than everyone," yet framed the match as an opportunity for Roma to close the gap. Victory would boost morale and confidence in the title race; defeat, at this early fifth-matchday stage, would not derail the season but would serve as a reality check on genuine objectives. The Olimpico is sold out. Gasperini has not won against Inter in his last eight seasons—five victories and nine draws across 36 meetings—and Roma have not beaten the Nerazzurri at home since 2016 under Spalletti, a 2–1 win featuring goals from Dzeko, Banega and an own goal by Icardi. Yet the coach detected real optimism in the environment. He said: "It's positive energy that needs to be collected. Obviously there are results and matches; when things go less well there's the downside, the risk of getting depressed. But we mustn't think about that, only about the match—a fine appointment for the teams and the fans. Everyone wants to take part. It will require great clarity." Roma have shown they can compete in single matches—they drew with Atalanta and recently played Champions League football at Fenerbahce with ease after seven years away from Europe. The difficulty lies in maintaining consistency over a long campaign, where Roma may still be short of the resources required. Roma and Inter lead Serie A's attacking metrics: Inter have scored 13 goals and fired 32 shots on target; Roma have 12 goals and 31 shots. Roma have touched the ball in the opposition area 183 times to Inter's 177. Defensively, Roma rank among the strongest starts across Europe's five major leagues, conceding only one goal so far—level with Arsenal and Friburgo. Gasperini can reach his 300th Serie A victory tonight, though Inter remain formidable: they are unbeaten in 16 of their last 18 league matches against Roma, with 10 wins and 6 draws, and have won 9 of the 11 most recent contests, scoring 24 goals in those encounters. Asked about the taboo against Inter, Gasperini reflected: "There was a period when I got results against them, then in recent years only defeats. It may be tactical. There was a spell like this with Juventus during their consecutive titles, then victories came. There are many components involved. We're facing a strong squad." Gasperini also said: "Matches like this prepare themselves. We must have the clarity and calm to look at the field, understand what we need and can do to counter this team and try to be competitive. There are no other hidden agendas. Turin was hard as the league is hard. You can't expect to win every match as in the first two games. Serie A is balanced; winning against Turin and Atalanta is greater merit. It would be too nice to win easily every time."

Roma host Inter this evening in what Gasperini has framed as their first genuine test of the season. Victory would boost morale and belief, though the coach acknowledged Inter's superiority. Gasperini said: "Inter is stronger, they have shown it over these years. Stronger not only than Roma, but than everyone." A defeat would not damage the league standings but could deflate momentum and force a recalibration of realistic objectives. The mood remains one of ambition despite the challenge ahead. Gasperini is within reach of his 300th Serie A victory, a milestone that would be hard-won given Roma's history against Inter. The coach, who has previously managed Inter, stressed the need for composure. He said: "It's positive energy that must be channelled. Then of course there are results and matches; when things go less well there is the downside, the risk of becoming demoralised. Great clarity will be needed." The contest pits the league's two most prolific attacking units: Inter have scored 13 goals and Roma 12. Inter have registered 32 shots on target to Roma's 31, and Roma have touched the ball in the opposition area 183 times compared to Inter's 177. Roma's defence stands among the strongest in Europe's top five leagues, having conceded only one goal this season—matching Arsenal and Freiburg. The reports were written by Alessandro Angeloni for Il Messaggero.

Roma face Inter on Saturday at 18:00 at the Olimpico in a match that could see the winner hold top spot for the three-week international break. More than 60,000 spectators are expected, with stadium gates opening at 15:30. Five months after Inter's 5–2 victory at San Siro, the clubs meet again with Roma transformed under Gasperini's management. While enthusiasm surrounds the capital, Inter's atmosphere differs markedly — Chivu did not attend the pre-match press conference. Gasperini was direct about the task ahead. "Inter are clearly much stronger and are a reference point for all Italian teams, but Roma will try to insert themselves," he said. The coach also offered a sharp comment on referee Massa's appointment: "He will be perfect." Roma are expected to line up in their usual 3–4–2–1 formation, with Balerdi potentially starting in defence ahead of N'Dicka or Hermoso. On the right flank, a battle remains between Molina and Lulli. Inter will be without Calhanoglu, Stones and Spence, with midfield and right-flank positions still to be decided. Meanwhile, Como manager Fabregas weighed in on the top tier: "They are the strongest; they are not direct rivals of Como." Among the squad, both Ghilardi and Lulli earned their first international call-ups for Italy.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named 23 players for Roma's Serie A match against Inter, a fifth-round fixture taking place today at the Olimpico. Mario Hermoso returns after sustaining a minor ankle injury in recent days, and Lorenzo Pellegrini is included. Evan N'Dicka, Wesley and Manu Koné have all recovered from issues that sidelined them in recent weeks. Gasperini's squad includes goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. The defence comprises Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfield options are Bryan Cristante, Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. The attacking players available are Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini has a complete squad to choose from for this afternoon's match against Inter. The head coach regains N'Dicka, who was initially named in the squad for the trip to Torino but withdrew due to injury, and Hermoso, who recovered from a minor knock sustained during the week. Manu Koné will return to the starting line-up after appearing only as a substitute in Piedmont while managing a physical issue. The full squad list includes: Goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi, and Pierluigi Gollini; Defenders Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli, and Daniele Ghilardi; Midfielders Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, and Rodrigo Mora; and Forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé, and Paulo Dybala.

Andrea Stramaccioni, a commentator for DAZN and Rai who has managed both Roma's youth academy and Inter's first team, previewed Roma's match against Inter at the Olimpico on 19 September, kickoff 18:00, as a double ex with close knowledge of both clubs and their managers. Stramaccioni framed the fixture as significant for Roma's development. "I see two worlds I know well and two coaches who are friends and doing very well," he said. While stopping short of calling it a title decider, he noted that victory would provide "a real blow to the other side's enthusiasm." For Roma, he stressed, returning to fixtures of this magnitude offers a chance to prove their progress: "Inter are used to challenges at this level from years of competing, while for Roma it will be good to breathe this atmosphere again." He highlighted Paulo Dybala as central to the team's transformation. "It's a Roma I see mentally grown," Stramaccioni explained. "The quality jump came with Dybala's constant presence behind Malen." On Donyell Malen's seven goals in four matches, Stramaccioni attributed his explosive form to tactical deployment: "He was closed off by Watkins at Aston Villa, often played on the wing in a different system and philosophy. No one uses him as Gasperini does. Not even Koeman in the national team when he tried him as a striker. Here he plays ideally to his characteristics—he always gets the ball served vertically and following his movement. His first touch while running like a world-class player and his ability to shoot make the rest." On Inter's strength, Stramaccioni noted Simone Inzaghi's 3-5-2 formation has proved troublesome for Gasperini: "Since Inter switched to this system under Conte, then Inzaghi and now under Chivu, Gian Piero has collected four draws and ten defeats against Inter. It is no accident." He named Paulo Dybala as Roma's decisive player and Lautaro as Inter's potential match-winner. Stramaccioni's firm prediction: "For me it ends with a spectacular draw: 2-2."

Roma and Inter prepare for the Serie A title decider in the fifth round of matches, with Gian Piero Gasperini naming a complete squad for the fixture. Mario Hermoso is fully fit after recovering from a minor training injury, making all players available for selection. The match carries significance in the battle for outright league leadership. Gasperini's squad list includes all defensive options: Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. Midfield personnel comprise Cristante, Pellegrini, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli and Mora.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named 23 players for Roma's Serie A match against Inter, a fifth-round fixture taking place today at the Olimpico. Mario Hermoso returns after sustaining a minor ankle injury in recent days, and Lorenzo Pellegrini is included. Evan N'Dicka, Wesley and Manu Koné have all recovered from issues that sidelined them in recent weeks. Gasperini's squad includes goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. The defence comprises Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. Midfield options are Bryan Cristante, Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Koné, Niccolò Pisilli and Rodrigo Mora. The attacking players available are Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.

Gian Piero Gasperini has a complete squad to choose from for this afternoon's match against Inter. The head coach regains N'Dicka, who was initially named in the squad for the trip to Torino but withdrew due to injury, and Hermoso, who recovered from a minor knock sustained during the week. Manu Koné will return to the starting line-up after appearing only as a substitute in Piedmont while managing a physical issue. The full squad list includes: Goalkeepers Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi, and Pierluigi Gollini; Defenders Devyne Rensch, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli, and Daniele Ghilardi; Midfielders Bryan Cristante, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Marten de Roon, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, and Rodrigo Mora; and Forwards Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé, and Paulo Dybala.