Gasperini on Roma's perfect start, Scudetto dreams, and the power of unity

Roma will hold a press conference with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini on Friday at 13:30 from the Fulvio Bernardini training centre, ahead of Saturday's fixture against Inter at the Olimpico (kickoff 18:00). The match represents a significant test of Roma's early-season ambitions, with both sides competing for supremacy in what promises to be a decisive encounter. Gasperini will provide his final thoughts on team preparation before the big match.

Gian Piero Gasperini has cooled speculation about Roma's title prospects, insisting it is premature to discuss the Scudetto after just four league matches. Speaking to Sky Sport, the head coach outlined his approach to raising standards at the club, emphasizing gradual improvement over setting distant targets. Gasperini acknowledged the enthusiasm surrounding Roma's strong start but stressed the importance of perspective. "It's not this way you raise the bar," he said. "The bar is not raised by setting more or less achievable objectives: it's raised by improving every day, working on ourselves through this variety of players with all their own characteristics, trying to do better each time." He added that meaningful assessment of title ambitions can only come after roughly twenty matches: "Setting objectives after four or five makes no sense. Of course we have confidence, of course we want to be high in the league table, but at this moment this is the only concrete objective." Gasperini reserved particular praise for defender Leonardo Balerdi, who has made an immediate impression since arriving this summer. "We were convinced we had signed a strong player," Gasperini said. "Then the impact was immediately very positive, and this despite having only partially done the pre-season preparation with us. It means he is a professional who presented himself in form, ready to give a contribution straight away." Gasperini also views the upcoming big matches as a chance to measure progress: "It will be the moment to test ourselves and to see, against these teams, what we are capable of doing."

Roma will face Inter in a Serie A fixture at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, 19 September at 18:00, marking the fifth round of the season. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will hold his pre-match press conference on Friday, 18 September at 13:30 at the Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini. The conference will be broadcast live on Roma's official social media channels and available with live text updates on Romanews.eu.

Gian Piero Gasperini has reflected on Roma's perfect start to the 2026-27 season and the club's return to the Champions League after seven years, while cautioning against fixing title ambitions before the campaign has matured. In an extensive interview, the head coach said he had hoped for a strong opening but that Roma's advantage this season came from continuity: "We had the conviction of having behind us good preparation, and a squad that started with an advantage compared to the start of last season: we have been together for longer, we know each other better, we have already assimilated many things." Gasperini emphasized the self-improving culture within the group, which blends young talent with experienced players. He highlighted Leonardo Balerdi's immediate impact despite only partial pre-season involvement, describing the Argentine defender's characteristics as reminiscent of Franco Baresi—drawing the comparison from spontaneous association when discussing the best players who have ever existed. "Baresi had a speed in recovering dangerous situations, intensity in challenges, and security in building play. Baresi was thirty years ahead of his colleagues, but belonged to a very different football era. It is in this mix of modernity and old-quality characteristics that I see the similarity," Gasperini explained. He also praised emerging talents Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Daniele Ghilardi for their hunger to grow without feeling they have arrived, and commended the understanding between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, noting Dybala's ability to read Malen's runs and the forwards' capacity to convert seemingly simple opportunities into goals. On Roma's return to European football's top competition, Gasperini said the achievement was far from certain last year and that playing against the continent's strongest teams provides growth through difficulty and self-awareness. He identified unity between environment, squad, supporters and board as Roma's greatest asset this season. When pressed on title talk after four consecutive wins, he firmly set boundaries: "We are aware that all possible predictions are made around us, and that is right: people have their dreams, they want the maximum. For us, as every year, we must face reality. And reality is that we can only talk about objectives after about twenty matches. Setting them after four or five matchdays makes no sense. Of course we have confidence, of course we want to stay high in the table, but right now this is the only concrete objective." Gasperini added that managing such expectations is natural but that Roma's sole focus in the present moment remains maintaining their early momentum without premature forecasting.

Gianluca Mancini rejected Inter's advances this summer and signed a contract renewal with Roma despite being offered more lucrative terms elsewhere. The defender's agent Giuseppe Riso, as Corriere dello Sport reported, actively pushed for a move to Milan, where Chivu was prepared to welcome him, but Mancini showed no hesitation about remaining in the capital despite childhood admiration for Inter's side under Materazzi. Mancini chose to extend his deal on reduced financial terms. His fixed salary fell from €2.5 million in the previous season, and he accepted a structure built around performance bonuses and seasonal objectives shared with Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante. The decision reinforces Roma's commitment to players willing to align compensation with team success. The 1996-born defender now aims to increase his goal tally against Inter, where he has already scored four times. Three of those goals came in a Roma shirt, though only one has so far yielded points for his side.

Gianluca Mancini turned down Inter's advances this summer despite the Milan club offering him higher wages, choosing instead to sign a contract renewal with Roma on revised terms. His agent Giuseppe Riso pushed for the move to Inter, where Chivu was ready to welcome him, but Mancini had no doubts about staying at the capital club despite childhood fondness for Materazzi's Inter. Mancini agreed fresh terms at lower figures than his previous salary. His fixed wage dropped from €2.5 million a season ago. The new deal follows the structure accepted by Dybala, Pellegrini and Cristante: players receive a base salary plus performance bonuses tied to appearances and the squad's seasonal objectives. The renewal underscores Roma's commitment to retaining a cornerstone defender while adapting to the club's financial framework. The 1996-born defender has now set his sights on increasing his goal tally against Inter. He already has four goals to his name, three wearing Roma's shirt but only one that delivered points so far.

Gian Piero Gasperini has reflected on Roma's perfect start to the 2026-27 season and the club's return to the Champions League after seven years, while cautioning against fixing title ambitions before the campaign has matured. In an extensive interview, the head coach said he had hoped for a strong opening but that Roma's advantage this season came from continuity: "We had the conviction of having behind us good preparation, and a squad that started with an advantage compared to the start of last season: we have been together for longer, we know each other better, we have already assimilated many things." Gasperini emphasized the self-improving culture within the group, which blends young talent with experienced players. He highlighted Leonardo Balerdi's immediate impact despite only partial pre-season involvement, describing the Argentine defender's characteristics as reminiscent of Franco Baresi—drawing the comparison from spontaneous association when discussing the best players who have ever existed. "Baresi had a speed in recovering dangerous situations, intensity in challenges, and security in building play. Baresi was thirty years ahead of his colleagues, but belonged to a very different football era. It is in this mix of modernity and old-quality characteristics that I see the similarity," Gasperini explained. He also praised emerging talents Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Daniele Ghilardi for their hunger to grow without feeling they have arrived, and commended the understanding between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, noting Dybala's ability to read Malen's runs and the forwards' capacity to convert seemingly simple opportunities into goals. On Roma's return to European football's top competition, Gasperini said the achievement was far from certain last year and that playing against the continent's strongest teams provides growth through difficulty and self-awareness. He identified unity between environment, squad, supporters and board as Roma's greatest asset this season. When pressed on title talk after four consecutive wins, he firmly set boundaries: "We are aware that all possible predictions are made around us, and that is right: people have their dreams, they want the maximum. For us, as every year, we must face reality. And reality is that we can only talk about objectives after about twenty matches. Setting them after four or five matchdays makes no sense. Of course we have confidence, of course we want to stay high in the table, but right now this is the only concrete objective." Gasperini added that managing such expectations is natural but that Roma's sole focus in the present moment remains maintaining their early momentum without premature forecasting.

Donyell Malen has silenced doubters with a stunning display at Roma after joining from Aston Villa. Last season he dragged the Giallorossi into the Champions League through goals alone, before a dip at international level under Koeman—a downturn the Dutch coach's tactical setup was responsible for, not Malen's form. This season he has picked up where he left off, scoring six goals in four matches and recording an assist in the Champions League. His performances have caught the attention of English media, with several at Aston Villa regretting his departure. The BBC analysed what has changed, and the answer centres on position. At Aston Villa he played as a centre-forward in 52% of his league minutes; at Roma under Gasperini, that figure has climbed to 99%. The impact is measurable: at Villa he scored once every 149.8 minutes; at Roma it is once every 96.7 minutes. Since 18 January he has 20 goals—more than any other player in Europe. Gasperini has found the role that unlocks the Dutch forward's talents. The early promise of a flash in the pan has given way to something far more serious: at Roma, Malen has become an inferno.

Radio Roma commentators have weighed Roma's prospects ahead of the Champions League fixture against Inter, with widespread acknowledgement that Donyell Malen has become the team's most decisive attacking threat. The debate centred on whether Roma can sustain a title challenge without fresh recruitment, and how Santiago Castro's early impact shapes the club's forward planning. Piero Torri suggested Roma would have wrapped up the season had Greenwood and Moreira been signed, implying regret over unfinished transfer business. David Rossi stated: "We can play football without Malen. If someone came in with a serious bid—say 120 to 130 million—we could sell him this summer at 130 million and win the Scudetto." Fabio Petruzzi countered that Castro's presence provides preparation for Malen's potential departure: "You've already prepared for this eventuality with Castro behind him. He's not the same, but Castro is a serious striker." Petruzzi also raised concern over other managerial positions, mentioning Juric and Amorim as under pressure. Malen's output drew repeated emphasis: Gianluca Piacentini noted his 20 goals in 22 appearances as decisive form. Lorenzo Pes explained Gasperini's tendency to substitute Malen late in matches because "he gives everything on the pitch, participates totally in every action," and confirmed Castro comes off the bench in the final half-hour. Alessio Nardo stressed Roma needs goals beyond Malen: "If Roma wants to raise the level it must combine other goals from the attackers with Malen's." Roberto Pruzzo declared Roma's defence superior to Inter's and highlighted the twin attacking threat as "a guarantee," while Nando Orsi countered that Inter remains "overwhelmingly strong" and questioned whether Roma should be favoured: "They're level on points, both have suffered in two Champions League matches." Checco Oddo Casano observed that fitness coach D'Amico now works pitch-side alongside coach Gasperini, contrasting with last season when Ranieri and Massara watched from a raised terrace—a structural change he interpreted as reflecting the relationship between technical staff and management at the club. The fixture with Inter will provide the first substantive test of Roma's credentials at the top level this season.

Gian Piero Gasperini has reflected on Roma's perfect start to the 2026-27 season and the club's return to the Champions League after seven years, while cautioning against fixing title ambitions before the campaign has matured. In an extensive interview, the head coach said he had hoped for a strong opening but that Roma's advantage this season came from continuity: "We had the conviction of having behind us good preparation, and a squad that started with an advantage compared to the start of last season: we have been together for longer, we know each other better, we have already assimilated many things." Gasperini emphasized the self-improving culture within the group, which blends young talent with experienced players. He highlighted Leonardo Balerdi's immediate impact despite only partial pre-season involvement, describing the Argentine defender's characteristics as reminiscent of Franco Baresi—drawing the comparison from spontaneous association when discussing the best players who have ever existed. "Baresi had a speed in recovering dangerous situations, intensity in challenges, and security in building play. Baresi was thirty years ahead of his colleagues, but belonged to a very different football era. It is in this mix of modernity and old-quality characteristics that I see the similarity," Gasperini explained. He also praised emerging talents Emanuele Lulli, Niccolò Pisilli and Daniele Ghilardi for their hunger to grow without feeling they have arrived, and commended the understanding between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, noting Dybala's ability to read Malen's runs and the forwards' capacity to convert seemingly simple opportunities into goals. On Roma's return to European football's top competition, Gasperini said the achievement was far from certain last year and that playing against the continent's strongest teams provides growth through difficulty and self-awareness. He identified unity between environment, squad, supporters and board as Roma's greatest asset this season. When pressed on title talk after four consecutive wins, he firmly set boundaries: "We are aware that all possible predictions are made around us, and that is right: people have their dreams, they want the maximum. For us, as every year, we must face reality. And reality is that we can only talk about objectives after about twenty matches. Setting them after four or five matchdays makes no sense. Of course we have confidence, of course we want to stay high in the table, but right now this is the only concrete objective." Gasperini added that managing such expectations is natural but that Roma's sole focus in the present moment remains maintaining their early momentum without premature forecasting.

Fulvio Collovati, a former defender who played for both Roma and Inter, has previewed Saturday's 18:00 kickoff at the Olimpico between the two clubs. Speaking to Il Giorno, Collovati highlighted Roma's transformation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, singling out the team's improved defensive record and attacking threat. "A totally different squad," Collovati said of Roma. "It has the league's top scorer in Malen and concedes fewer goals. It plays one-on-one pressing, attacks you aggressively and certainly doesn't give up attacking. In defence the hierarchy looks well-defined, but then against Torino Balerdi played and did very well. Perhaps the Baresi comparison Gasperini made was a bit exaggerated, though I don't know the player so well." Roma currently have the best defence in Serie A. Collovati identified the flanks as crucial to the contest, noting: "I see a very interesting battle on the wings: Dimarco and Diouf on one side, Wesley and Molina or the young Lulli, who is very interesting, on the other. Inter especially relies heavily on the wing corridors, also having Bastoni." Collovati recalled that Roma-Inter matches have historically been high-scoring affairs. When asked if Roma's position at the top is a surprise, he replied: "Perhaps for those who don't know Gasperini. He took Atalanta to win the Europa League. The squad is back in the Champions League and for me this year it is destined to do more. Already the third place achieved in his first year with this manager was an exceptional achievement."

Fulvio Collovati, who played for both Roma and Inter, has analysed the sides' meeting on Saturday at 18:00 at the Olimpico. Speaking to Il Giorno, the former defender praised Roma's defensive solidity this season while highlighting the tactical battle likely to unfold on the wings. Collovati noted Roma's transformation under Gasperini, pointing to Malen as the league's top scorer and the team's improved defensive record. He observed that "the squad is totally different. It has the league's leading goalscorer, Malen, and concedes fewer goals. It plays one-on-one pressing, it harries you and certainly does not give up attacking. The defensive hierarchies also seem well defined, though Balerdi played against Torino and did very well. Perhaps the comparison Gasperini made with Baresi was a bit exaggerated, although I don't know the player that well." On the match's key battle, Collovati identified the flanks as decisive: "I see a very interesting clash on the wings: Dimarco and Diouf on one side, Wesley and Molina or the young Lulli, who is very interesting, on the other. Above all, Inter rely heavily on the flanks, also having Bastoni. Generally, in my two years at Roma, I noticed that matches against Inter were often characterised by many goals, and in subsequent years it seemed the same happened." Collovati added that Gasperini's pedigree—leading Atalanta to win the Europa League—dispels any surprise at Roma's league position, describing third place in the coach's first season as "an exceptional achievement."