Gasperini on Roma's challenge against Inter: 'They are the reference point for Italian football'

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the scale of Roma's challenge ahead of the match against Inter, acknowledging the gap between the two sides while framing the fixture as an opportunity to measure progress. Speaking at a pre-match press conference on 18 September, Gasperini said: "They are clearly the team to beat for all the squads, but obviously we must have the ambition to be able to get closer." He described Inter as the reference point in Italian football, yet emphasised Roma's intention to compete and find a way to compete against them. The fixture represents a significant test for Gasperini's side early in the 2026–27 season. Roma's preparation will culminate in a final training session today followed by a retreat at Trigoria, part of Gasperini's tactical strategy heading into the encounter. The referee for the match has also been confirmed, with Gasperini expressing confidence in the official's performance.

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 encounter with Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, 19 September at 18:00. Roma arrive at the fixture with a perfect record after four matches, level on points with Inter at the top of the Serie A table. The coach acknowledged the significance of the clash as the season's first major test. Gasperini emphasised the positive atmosphere surrounding the match. "There is satisfaction in arriving at such an important fixture in this league position. It's a great appointment, a full stadium, tremendous enthusiasm. I would dwell on this feeling of a much-anticipated match at the start of the season, very positive on both sides," he said. Asked whether the enthusiasm posed a risk, he replied: "No, these are positive energies that must be gathered. Of course, when things go less well there is the risk of becoming too depressed. We think about playing in a favourable environment—these are fine matches to play, also for the people." On Inter's status as the season's benchmark, Gasperini stated: "Inter is the reference team of our championship, doing extraordinary things in Italy and also in Europe. It is a very strong team. For other teams it is a reference point to try to draw closer, precisely because Inter's strength at this moment is recognised." He confirmed that all players would be available for Saturday, including Koné, N'Dicka, Wesley, and Pellegrini. "I continue to cross my fingers: we all are here for tomorrow, and that alone is an extraordinary result. Some minor bumps are normal; today there is the final training session and even the small things will be overcome. Pellegrini is in his second week of training, can do everything, is available. In his case the long break may be useful—we will see if it is worth doing some friendlies," Gasperini said. He also defended his tactical flexibility, noting that tactical choices were made to win matches. "I did it with Atalanta by putting two defenders, but to win it, not to lose it. One must get used to changes of defenders; when you change attackers this should also be considered." Referee Massa will handle the match on Saturday. Gasperini concluded by stressing continuity: "I expect nothing different from what we have done until now. We must arrive aware that we have been clever in creating this type of match, and we will try to play at the best of our possibilities."

Leonardo Balerdi has made an immediate impact at Roma and spoke to il Tempo about his journey to the club. The Argentine defender revealed he has long harboured an ambition to join Roma, even requesting an official shirt from Strootman, his former Olympique Marseille teammate. "Roma is a dream," Balerdi said. "A year ago I could have arrived but it didn't happen. At the start of the transfer window my agent was at Trigoria, then I lost hope a bit, but when the call came in the final days I didn't think twice and said yes immediately." On his role in the squad, Balerdi explained he is still learning the movements of Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso. "I can play anywhere, but I prefer the central area," he added. Looking ahead, he expressed his desire to remain at the club long-term while staying focused on the present.

Roma host Inter on Saturday in a high-profile fixture drawing extraordinary media attention: 61 photographers, over 250 journalists, more than 50 outlets and 8 foreign broadcasters are accredited, with coverage expected from China, the United States, Brazil, Argentina and major European nations. Ed Shipley, Dan Friedkin's right-hand man, has arrived at Trigoria, and a surprise visit from Ryan Friedkin is not ruled out. Former Roma striker Marco Delvecchio has weighed in on the matchup between Roma's Donyell Malen and Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the Olimpico encounter. Delvecchio said: "In the final twenty metres, today, I see Malen a step above Lautaro." He praised the Dutchman for his speed of execution and quality of first touch, while acknowledging Lautaro's superiority in aerial play. On output, Delvecchio predicted: "I say 25 goals for Malen and 20 for Lautaro." Inter's interest in Roma players stretches back years. In summer 2025, the Nerazzurri considered Mile Svilar before his contract renewal; in 2024 they came close to signing Mario Hermoso but pulled out. More recently they assessed Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini, and Nahuel Molina as a possible alternative to Dumfries. The most significant detail involves Manu Koné: in August 2025, Inter's Ausilio reportedly reached an agreement worth 40 million euros before Roma's ownership blocked the deal. In 2022, Dybala's agent also reached an understanding with Inter, which ultimately pivoted to Lukaku's return. Gasperini faces two key selection decisions before Saturday. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi, standout performer against Torino, threatens Evan N'Dicka's place, while on the right flank Emanuele Lulli could start ahead of Molina. Mario Hermoso is fit, Wesley returns at left-back, and Matías Soulé is favoured over Rodrigo Mora in the attacking midfield role. Gasperini and Inter's Chivu will meet as opponents after both having served the club they face on Saturday. Chivu once called Gasperini "an example, an innovator," and Gasperini reciprocated: "I have always held great regard for him." Gasperini carries a painful memory of his Inter spell, which ended after just five matches.

Ahead of the big match between Roma and Inter, the transfer market reveals a thread connecting the two clubs over recent years: failed negotiations, hidden probes and shared targets that have intertwined their strategies from goalkeeper to attack. Inter considered Mile Svilar before his 2025 renewal, and came close to signing Mario Hermoso in 2024 before Oaktree's green-line policy on free transfers halted the move. The Nerazzurri also evaluated Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini, though the latter never wavered in his commitment to Roma despite Inter's interest. The clubs also conducted scouting missions for Nahuel Molina and Lorenzo Pellegrini on the flanks and in midfield. The biggest near-miss involved Manu Koné: in summer 2025, Inter reached an agreement worth 40 million euros, but Roma's ownership blocked the deal after a strong reaction from the supporters. The greatest regret for Inter remains Paulo Dybala, who came very close to joining the Nerazzurri in 2022. Zhang began to waver, Inzaghi was not entirely convinced, and Inter ultimately chose to pursue Lukaku's return on loan instead. That decision effectively cleared the path for Dybala's historic move to Roma.

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 encounter with Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, 19 September at 18:00. Roma arrive at the fixture with a perfect record after four matches, level on points with Inter at the top of the Serie A table. The coach acknowledged the significance of the clash as the season's first major test. Gasperini emphasised the positive atmosphere surrounding the match. "There is satisfaction in arriving at such an important fixture in this league position. It's a great appointment, a full stadium, tremendous enthusiasm. I would dwell on this feeling of a much-anticipated match at the start of the season, very positive on both sides," he said. Asked whether the enthusiasm posed a risk, he replied: "No, these are positive energies that must be gathered. Of course, when things go less well there is the risk of becoming too depressed. We think about playing in a favourable environment—these are fine matches to play, also for the people." On Inter's status as the season's benchmark, Gasperini stated: "Inter is the reference team of our championship, doing extraordinary things in Italy and also in Europe. It is a very strong team. For other teams it is a reference point to try to draw closer, precisely because Inter's strength at this moment is recognised." He confirmed that all players would be available for Saturday, including Koné, N'Dicka, Wesley, and Pellegrini. "I continue to cross my fingers: we all are here for tomorrow, and that alone is an extraordinary result. Some minor bumps are normal; today there is the final training session and even the small things will be overcome. Pellegrini is in his second week of training, can do everything, is available. In his case the long break may be useful—we will see if it is worth doing some friendlies," Gasperini said. He also defended his tactical flexibility, noting that tactical choices were made to win matches. "I did it with Atalanta by putting two defenders, but to win it, not to lose it. One must get used to changes of defenders; when you change attackers this should also be considered." Referee Massa will handle the match on Saturday. Gasperini concluded by stressing continuity: "I expect nothing different from what we have done until now. We must arrive aware that we have been clever in creating this type of match, and we will try to play at the best of our possibilities."

Rome's radio stations offered their analysis ahead of Roma's fixture against Inter on 19 September. The match has drawn keen attention from local media figures debating its tactical significance and implications for the title race. Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà (90.9) framed the occasion in stark terms for Roma's ambitions. "I'm waiting for a major response from a match that, from the perspective of ambition and objectives, can certainly deliver something," Torri said. "This is one of the most important matches Roma play under Friedkin ownership, like against Napoli last year. It's a big challenge and Roma has all the right credentials to look Inter in the eye without ever backing down. Roma's attacking trio can absolutely cause problems for Inter's defensive trio. Today in his press conference Gasperini won't give away too many clues." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) acknowledged Inter as favourites but backed both sides to produce a high-quality contest. "They are two squads that play well and have characterful football," Orsi said. "I expect a big match that will show that these two teams, including Como, will be the main players in the title race." Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà noted tactical preparations from Gasperini, reporting that Wesley had been trialled on the right with Molina on the left, and that Lulli had also featured in testing. Valdarchi suggested Lorenzo Pellegrini might feature in an unexpected capacity if fresh, predicting a "surprise" starting role for the midfielder against Como.

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."

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."