Gasperini on Inter's dominance: they are the benchmark, but we want to close the gap

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 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."