Roma dominating early season form with attacking prowess and defensive solidity

Fabio Capello has backed Roma's position at the Serie A summit, saying their place at the top alongside Inter comes as no surprise. Speaking to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello singled out Roma as one of the two strongest teams from the start of the season, pointing to their performance in the direct meeting between the two clubs as evidence of their quality. Inter, he noted, possess players who make a difference but carry defensive vulnerabilities: "Why so many goals conceded? There is something that is not working. You cannot always manage what you have achieved in recent matches, starting with Real Madrid, which you lost against." Gasperini's Roma have the foundation to compete throughout the campaign, Capello assessed. The manager has convinced his squad of his vision from the transfer market onwards, with players willing to buy in to the project. Some have even accepted reduced salaries, a sign Capello read as evidence of collective ambition. "I see desire and awareness," he said. Capello identified full-field pressing as a key lesson Roma can take from Inter's recent comeback: "When attention drops, opponents of a certain level—like Inter are—take advantage. And that was seen. Roma has everything to be competitive in the league and has players of great quality who have in their heads the desire to do very well. Gasperini has succeeded in convincing them from the transfer market onwards: the players and the coach wanted each other greatly and it is proof that this team believes in it."

Vincent Candela, the former Roma defender and Serie A champion, has backed Gian Piero Gasperini's side as genuine title contenders. Speaking on Rai Radio 1's Anch'io sport, Candela analysed Roma's challenge to Inter and praised the performances of the Giallorossi's squad ahead of a direct clash between the two sides. Candela believes Roma have the depth and cohesion to mount a sustained title push. "Roma and Inter have given us great football, great beauty," he said. "They are the two teams playing for the title. Inter have a broad squad, but with Gasperini Roma can match them all the way. This Roma is a title-winning side—they can give Inter, who are the strongest, a real problem. Dybala reminds me of the top players of my time, and Koné has personality and charisma. I think Roma are the only squad that can genuinely fight with Inter. They have a very strong and cohesive group." Candela also offered thoughts on Italy's national team rebuild, saying that the country remains a football institution and must rediscover its roots after a period of decline. He backed manager Luciano Mancini's experience to guide a youth-focused reconstruction, noting: "Italy has football in its blood, Mancini has the experience. Now it will take time because we are rebuilding from the young players."

Former Roma defender Vincent Candela has backed Gian Piero Gasperini's side as genuine Serie A title contenders, naming them as Inter's only realistic threat in the championship race. Speaking on Rai Radio 1's Radio anch'io sport, Candela analysed the direct clash between Roma and Inter, singling out the performances of Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné for particular praise while assessing the wider squad strength at the Stadio Olimpico. Candela said: "Roma and Inter have given us great football, great beauty. They are the two squads playing for the Scudetto. Inter has a broad squad, but with Gasperini they will fight it out to the end. This Roma is a title-winning team; it can give Inter — who are the strongest — problems. Dybala reminds me of the top players from my era. Koné has personality and charisma. I think Roma is the only squad that can battle with Inter. It has a very strong and cohesive group." Candela also turned his attention to the Italian national team, offering a longer-term view of the rebuilding process. He stated: "Italy is a football heritage. I hope it rebuilds its roots, which were lost for a while. Italy has football in its blood. Mancini has the experience. Now it will take some time because we are starting again from the young players."