Gasperini on Roma's form ahead of Inter: 'A group that improves itself'

Santiago Castro has praised the atmosphere at Roma ahead of tomorrow's match against Inter, saying the coach creates an environment where every player feels valued. Speaking to DAZN hours before kick-off, the 21-year-old Argentine highlighted the quality of his teammates and Gasperini's man-management approach. "With him you never feel like a reserve or a starter," Castro said. "You always have to be ready, always at your best, both in training and in matches. That's really important and I think it makes all the players feel good." Castro, who joined Roma from Bologna, drew a contrast between the two clubs' squads. "When you arrive at a team like Roma you find players in front of you like Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé and now Rodrigo Mora has also arrived. We have many high-level players," he explained. "At Bologna I found many quality players too, like Bernardeschi, Orsolini, Rowe, Zirkzee and Ndoye. I'm happy because I can take something from every teammate and always learn." He singled out Dybala and Malen for special praise, describing them as players who impress fans every week but reveal far more in daily training. "Paulo has a left foot that few people have. I think he's one of the best left-footed players in Italy's history, even at world level," Castro said. "From Donyell you have to take that meanness to go and score goals, the cunning, the movements he has and then the shot, which is crazy." Gasperini's tactical demands on Castro focus on positioning and team play. "The main thing the manager asks me is to always keep my body facing the goal, not to always play with my back to goal because that way I'm not dangerous," Castro explained. "He asks me to always be in the match, to attack, to play for the team. For him it's important to score goals, but also to give an assist, because that's something that helps the team and gives a great hand to everyone." Castro also reflected on his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta, calling it "a moment of great pride" and crediting the fans for their support during the match. On Inter's challenge, Castro acknowledged the quality of both squads. "It will always be difficult to face teams with this type of players, because they also, like us, have world-class players and big names," he said. "It will be a beautiful match to watch from outside: a hot stadium, two teams that arrive well, with the same points, many goals scored and few conceded. It will definitely be nice to see." Roma and Inter sit level on points after four matches. Castro also praised Lautaro Martinez as "a very strong player" and captain of one of Italy's biggest teams.

Santiago Castro has given his first substantial interview since joining Roma, speaking to DAZN about his early weeks at the club, his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and the quality of his fellow attackers. The 21-year-old Argentine striker, who arrived this summer from Bologna, reflected on the step up in class and the challenge of competing with established forwards in the Giallorossi squad. Castro highlighted the calibre of his new teammates, naming Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora as examples of the standard he now faces daily. He said: "Sì, certo. Quando arrivi in una squadra come la Roma ti trovi davanti giocatori come Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé e adesso è arrivato anche Rodrigo Mora." On training alongside Dybala and Malen, he remarked: "Paulo e Donyell sono giocatori che impressionano i tifosi ogni settimana e noi che li vediamo ogni giorno. Noi che ci alleniamo con loro vediamo cose che sembrano appartenere a un altro sport." He praised Dybala's left foot as among the finest in Italy and the world, and commended Malen's aggression, movement and shooting ability. Gasperini's management style has impressed Castro, who said the coach emphasizes constant readiness over any hierarchy of starting players. "Con lui non ti senti mai una riserva o un titolare: devi sempre essere pronto, sempre al massimo, sia in allenamento sia in partita," Castro explained. The striker also recalled his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta as a proud moment at age 21, noting the warmth of the crowd as a powerful motivator. He expressed respect for Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the upcoming fixture, describing him as "un grandissimo giocatore, molto forte" and noting his consistency in Serie A and leadership of one of Italy's biggest clubs. Castro also touched on the group atmosphere at Roma, mentioning the presence of several Argentine players and praising the cohesion with staff and international teammates alike. On wearing the number 9 shirt, he said: "È bello pensare a tutti i giocatori che hanno avuto la numero 9 nella Roma. Sono stati tanti e hanno fatto tantissime cose importanti, come Balbo e altri grandi attaccanti. Io spero solamente di riuscire a fare anche solo una piccola parte di quello che hanno fatto loro."

Santiago Castro has reflected on his early weeks at Roma, discussing his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and his debut experience at the Olimpico, speaking to DAZN hours before the Inter match. Castro highlighted the quality difference between his former club Bologna and Roma, pointing to the calibre of players available: "When you arrive at a club like Roma you find yourself facing players like Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé and now Rodrigo Mora has also arrived too. We are many players of great quality. At Bologna I also found many quality footballers, like Bernardeschi, Orsolini, Rowe, Zirkzee and Ndoye. I'm happy because from every teammate I can take something and always learn." Castro's comments underscore Roma's attacking depth as they prepare to face Inter. The 21-year-old forward, who joined Roma this summer from Bologna, has integrated quickly into Gasperini's squad and benefits from direct competition with experienced forwards.

Santiago Castro has praised the atmosphere at Roma ahead of tomorrow's match against Inter, saying the coach creates an environment where every player feels valued. Speaking to DAZN hours before kick-off, the 21-year-old Argentine highlighted the quality of his teammates and Gasperini's man-management approach. "With him you never feel like a reserve or a starter," Castro said. "You always have to be ready, always at your best, both in training and in matches. That's really important and I think it makes all the players feel good." Castro, who joined Roma from Bologna, drew a contrast between the two clubs' squads. "When you arrive at a team like Roma you find players in front of you like Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé and now Rodrigo Mora has also arrived. We have many high-level players," he explained. "At Bologna I found many quality players too, like Bernardeschi, Orsolini, Rowe, Zirkzee and Ndoye. I'm happy because I can take something from every teammate and always learn." He singled out Dybala and Malen for special praise, describing them as players who impress fans every week but reveal far more in daily training. "Paulo has a left foot that few people have. I think he's one of the best left-footed players in Italy's history, even at world level," Castro said. "From Donyell you have to take that meanness to go and score goals, the cunning, the movements he has and then the shot, which is crazy." Gasperini's tactical demands on Castro focus on positioning and team play. "The main thing the manager asks me is to always keep my body facing the goal, not to always play with my back to goal because that way I'm not dangerous," Castro explained. "He asks me to always be in the match, to attack, to play for the team. For him it's important to score goals, but also to give an assist, because that's something that helps the team and gives a great hand to everyone." Castro also reflected on his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta, calling it "a moment of great pride" and crediting the fans for their support during the match. On Inter's challenge, Castro acknowledged the quality of both squads. "It will always be difficult to face teams with this type of players, because they also, like us, have world-class players and big names," he said. "It will be a beautiful match to watch from outside: a hot stadium, two teams that arrive well, with the same points, many goals scored and few conceded. It will definitely be nice to see." Roma and Inter sit level on points after four matches. Castro also praised Lautaro Martinez as "a very strong player" and captain of one of Italy's biggest teams.

Santiago Castro has given his first substantial interview since joining Roma, speaking to DAZN about his early weeks at the club, his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and the quality of his fellow attackers. The 21-year-old Argentine striker, who arrived this summer from Bologna, reflected on the step up in class and the challenge of competing with established forwards in the Giallorossi squad. Castro highlighted the calibre of his new teammates, naming Paulo Dybala, Donyell Malen, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora as examples of the standard he now faces daily. He said: "Sì, certo. Quando arrivi in una squadra come la Roma ti trovi davanti giocatori come Dybala, Malen, Pellegrini, Soulé e adesso è arrivato anche Rodrigo Mora." On training alongside Dybala and Malen, he remarked: "Paulo e Donyell sono giocatori che impressionano i tifosi ogni settimana e noi che li vediamo ogni giorno. Noi che ci alleniamo con loro vediamo cose che sembrano appartenere a un altro sport." He praised Dybala's left foot as among the finest in Italy and the world, and commended Malen's aggression, movement and shooting ability. Gasperini's management style has impressed Castro, who said the coach emphasizes constant readiness over any hierarchy of starting players. "Con lui non ti senti mai una riserva o un titolare: devi sempre essere pronto, sempre al massimo, sia in allenamento sia in partita," Castro explained. The striker also recalled his debut at the Olimpico against Atalanta as a proud moment at age 21, noting the warmth of the crowd as a powerful motivator. He expressed respect for Inter's Lautaro Martinez ahead of the upcoming fixture, describing him as "un grandissimo giocatore, molto forte" and noting his consistency in Serie A and leadership of one of Italy's biggest clubs. Castro also touched on the group atmosphere at Roma, mentioning the presence of several Argentine players and praising the cohesion with staff and international teammates alike. On wearing the number 9 shirt, he said: "È bello pensare a tutti i giocatori che hanno avuto la numero 9 nella Roma. Sono stati tanti e hanno fatto tantissime cose importanti, come Balbo e altri grandi attaccanti. Io spero solamente di riuscire a fare anche solo una piccola parte di quello che hanno fatto loro."

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September at 18:00 in a top-of-the-table Serie A fixture. Both teams arrive unbeaten after four matches and level on points at the summit, making this the final game before the international break extends until the first week of October. Gian Piero Gasperini has a pair of defensive decisions to settle. Leonardo Balerdi is set to start in place of either Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso, while Emanuele Lulli holds the edge over Nahuel Molina at right-back. Wesley is confirmed on the left flank. In attack, one of Matías Soulé or Niccolò Pisilli will complete the trequartista role alongside Paulo Dybala and behind Donyell Malen. Gasperini has all players available following Roma's trip to Torino, and N'Dicka returns to the squad after missing that fixture. Lorenzo Pellegrini is included for a second consecutive match. Historically, Roma have won 51 Serie A meetings against Inter from 186 total league fixtures between the clubs. The head-to-head record in Rome itself stands at 34 Roma victories, 26 draws and 33 Inter wins. Roma's last victory against Inter at the Olimpico came on 2 October 2016—a 2–1 result—after which Inter have recorded six wins and three draws in the capital. Overall, Roma's most recent win over Inter dates to 1 October 2022, a 1–2 away success at San Siro. Gasperini has faced Inter 36 times in his managerial career, accumulating five victories, nine draws and 22 defeats; he has not won against them for 17 consecutive meetings. Inter's manager Cristian Chivu won both fixtures against Roma in the previous season. The two coaches have met three times previously, with Chivu winning all three encounters. The match will be refereed by Massa, with Mazzoleni on VAR. Roma's starting XI is confirmed as: Svilar; Mancini, Balerdi, N'Dicka; Lulli, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen.

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September at 18:00 in a top-of-the-table Serie A fixture. Both teams arrive unbeaten after four matches and level on points at the summit, making this the final game before the international break extends until the first week of October. Gian Piero Gasperini has a pair of defensive decisions to settle. Leonardo Balerdi is set to start in place of either Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso, while Emanuele Lulli holds the edge over Nahuel Molina at right-back. Wesley is confirmed on the left flank. In attack, one of Matías Soulé or Niccolò Pisilli will complete the trequartista role alongside Paulo Dybala and behind Donyell Malen. Gasperini has all players available following Roma's trip to Torino, and N'Dicka returns to the squad after missing that fixture. Lorenzo Pellegrini is included for a second consecutive match. Historically, Roma have won 51 Serie A meetings against Inter from 186 total league fixtures between the clubs. The head-to-head record in Rome itself stands at 34 Roma victories, 26 draws and 33 Inter wins. Roma's last victory against Inter at the Olimpico came on 2 October 2016—a 2–1 result—after which Inter have recorded six wins and three draws in the capital. Overall, Roma's most recent win over Inter dates to 1 October 2022, a 1–2 away success at San Siro. Gasperini has faced Inter 36 times in his managerial career, accumulating five victories, nine draws and 22 defeats; he has not won against them for 17 consecutive meetings. Inter's manager Cristian Chivu won both fixtures against Roma in the previous season. The two coaches have met three times previously, with Chivu winning all three encounters. The match will be refereed by Massa, with Mazzoleni on VAR. Roma's starting XI is confirmed as: Svilar; Mancini, Balerdi, N'Dicka; Lulli, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen.

Gian Piero Gasperini has downplayed Sunday's meeting with Inter at the Olimpico as a scudetto decider, calling it instead a significant fixture between two in-form teams but one that arrives too early in the season to carry championship weight. In a wide-ranging interview, the Roma head coach reflected on the club's strong start to 2026-27, the recovery from last season's intense campaign, and the squad's growing cohesion. Gasperini acknowledged Inter's standing as the benchmark in Italian football. "Inter is ahead of everyone, they prove it with the results they are making and those they have made in recent years. They remain a reference point for all the other teams trying to climb and get closer," he said. He stressed that Roma cannot fix their deficiencies in five matches and that meaningful objectives can only be set after around twenty games. Roma's qualification for the UEFA Champions League this season was not guaranteed last year, he noted, and he sees the competition as an opportunity to grow by testing themselves against Europe's elite. On Paulo Dybala, Gasperini said: "It is a great aspect, perhaps for some years he was not able to have this continuity of performance and condition, not only of quality. He is a champion recovered to our football." He praised Dybala and Donyell Malen as complementary forwards, describing Dybala's ability to spot Malen's runs and serve him with precision, combined with Malen's capacity to convert straightforward chances into goals. On young defender Emanuele Lulli, Gasperini sidestepped comparisons to legendary defenders, saying he compares players only with the world's strongest to judge merit fairly and that he introduces young players because they deserve it, not for convenience. He also backed Leonardo Balerdi, saying the defender made a strong impact despite having done only partial pre-season preparation with Roma, evidence of his professionalism. Gasperini identified the club's greatest strength as "a great unity between environment, squad, fans and society. This is something that helps you work well and gives you confidence to achieve the best results." He expressed satisfaction with the new league format this season and noted that Roma fans are content. The squad combines youth and experienced players, each contributing—younger members bringing freshness and established players setting an example through their dedication. Roma face Como before the Real Madrid fixture in the Champions League.

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.

Roma and Inter meet in the final match before the international break, with both sides unbeaten and level on points at the top of Serie A. Gasperini has confirmed all his players are available but is monitoring the fitness of Wesley and N'Dicka, suggesting Leonardo Balerdi could start. Inter will be without Calhanoglu and Stones, with Akanji and Zielinski set to replace them. Both teams will pay tribute before kick-off to Sandro Mazzola, the Inter legend and Italy international who died at the age of 83 overnight.

Roma face Inter at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September at 18:00 in a top-of-the-table Serie A fixture. Both teams arrive unbeaten after four matches and level on points at the summit, making this the final game before the international break extends until the first week of October. Gian Piero Gasperini has a pair of defensive decisions to settle. Leonardo Balerdi is set to start in place of either Evan N'Dicka or Mario Hermoso, while Emanuele Lulli holds the edge over Nahuel Molina at right-back. Wesley is confirmed on the left flank. In attack, one of Matías Soulé or Niccolò Pisilli will complete the trequartista role alongside Paulo Dybala and behind Donyell Malen. Gasperini has all players available following Roma's trip to Torino, and N'Dicka returns to the squad after missing that fixture. Lorenzo Pellegrini is included for a second consecutive match. Historically, Roma have won 51 Serie A meetings against Inter from 186 total league fixtures between the clubs. The head-to-head record in Rome itself stands at 34 Roma victories, 26 draws and 33 Inter wins. Roma's last victory against Inter at the Olimpico came on 2 October 2016—a 2–1 result—after which Inter have recorded six wins and three draws in the capital. Overall, Roma's most recent win over Inter dates to 1 October 2022, a 1–2 away success at San Siro. Gasperini has faced Inter 36 times in his managerial career, accumulating five victories, nine draws and 22 defeats; he has not won against them for 17 consecutive meetings. Inter's manager Cristian Chivu won both fixtures against Roma in the previous season. The two coaches have met three times previously, with Chivu winning all three encounters. The match will be refereed by Massa, with Mazzoleni on VAR. Roma's starting XI is confirmed as: Svilar; Mancini, Balerdi, N'Dicka; Lulli, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Malen.

Gian Piero Gasperini has downplayed Sunday's meeting with Inter at the Olimpico as a scudetto decider, calling it instead a significant fixture between two in-form teams but one that arrives too early in the season to carry championship weight. In a wide-ranging interview, the Roma head coach reflected on the club's strong start to 2026-27, the recovery from last season's intense campaign, and the squad's growing cohesion. Gasperini acknowledged Inter's standing as the benchmark in Italian football. "Inter is ahead of everyone, they prove it with the results they are making and those they have made in recent years. They remain a reference point for all the other teams trying to climb and get closer," he said. He stressed that Roma cannot fix their deficiencies in five matches and that meaningful objectives can only be set after around twenty games. Roma's qualification for the UEFA Champions League this season was not guaranteed last year, he noted, and he sees the competition as an opportunity to grow by testing themselves against Europe's elite. On Paulo Dybala, Gasperini said: "It is a great aspect, perhaps for some years he was not able to have this continuity of performance and condition, not only of quality. He is a champion recovered to our football." He praised Dybala and Donyell Malen as complementary forwards, describing Dybala's ability to spot Malen's runs and serve him with precision, combined with Malen's capacity to convert straightforward chances into goals. On young defender Emanuele Lulli, Gasperini sidestepped comparisons to legendary defenders, saying he compares players only with the world's strongest to judge merit fairly and that he introduces young players because they deserve it, not for convenience. He also backed Leonardo Balerdi, saying the defender made a strong impact despite having done only partial pre-season preparation with Roma, evidence of his professionalism. Gasperini identified the club's greatest strength as "a great unity between environment, squad, fans and society. This is something that helps you work well and gives you confidence to achieve the best results." He expressed satisfaction with the new league format this season and noted that Roma fans are content. The squad combines youth and experienced players, each contributing—younger members bringing freshness and established players setting an example through their dedication. Roma face Como before the Real Madrid fixture in the Champions League.