The Roma coach confirmed his entire squad is available for Saturday’s match and described the occasion as an opportunity for the Giallorossi.
Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to reporters ahead of Roma’s Serie A match against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Giallorossi coach discussed the significance of the match, Inter’s position as the team to beat and the fitness of Manu Koné, Evan Ndicka, Wesley and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
What does this match mean for Roma?
“First of all, it is satisfying to arrive at this match in our current league position after the performances and victories we have achieved. Inter appear to have done the same.
“It is an important occasion. There will be a full stadium, a great atmosphere and plenty of enthusiasm. Both teams are producing important results.
“I would focus on that feeling. It is a highly anticipated match because of how positively both teams have started the season. It is an opportunity and an occasion everyone is looking forward to.”
Can all the enthusiasm also become a risk?
“As far as I am concerned, enthusiasm and the desire to succeed are positive sources of energy that must be embraced.
“Of course, there are matches and results. When things do not go as well, the other side of that can be the risk of becoming too discouraged. We cannot think about that.
“We must think about the match against Inter, our current form and playing in a supportive environment where there is plenty of anticipation.
“These are the beautiful matches to play. They are important occasions for both teams and the supporters. Everyone wants to be involved.”
Could Roma’s balance make the difference?
“I believe Inter are undoubtedly the benchmark for our league and every other team. They have achieved extraordinary things in Italy and Europe over time, reaching two European finals in recent years.
“They are a very strong team and I think everyone recognizes that. The objective for the other clubs is to get closer and become capable of competing with them.
“That is clearly an ambition for everyone because Inter’s strength is recognized.”
Roma appeared tired in Turin. Have you prepared this match primarily from a mental perspective?
“Mentally, these matches prepare themselves. We need the clarity and composure to focus on the pitch, understand what we must do to contain this team and find a way to be competitive ourselves.
“The match in Turin was difficult because the league is difficult. You cannot expect to play every match and always win as we did in the opening two games.
“Serie A is very balanced. Winning matches like we did against Atalanta and Torino despite facing difficulties deserves even more credit. It would be wonderful to win comfortably every time.”
What does Inter have that Roma currently lack?
“The comparison is not only with Roma. Inter’s advantage over every Italian team is reflected by their results.
“The numbers, points and victories are clear. We must have the composure to recognize those objective facts.
“To reach that level, we need to keep looking at ourselves rather than focusing on others. I am personally satisfied with what we are doing. We are trying to establish ourselves among the leading teams in the league.
“At the moment, the numbers clearly show that Inter are the strongest team in our league and have been for several years. Napoli have occasionally interrupted that.
“It is still too early to draw conclusions this season because very few matches have been played. We are trying to remain in this position and have certainly improved compared with last year.”
Lulli has impressed at the start of the season but did not play in the Champions League. Is he ready for matches of this level?
“I do not make that distinction. If he can play in the league, he can also play in the other competitions.
“He is a young player who has only recently emerged. He needs to follow his development path, even if he is perhaps skipping some stages very quickly.
“Rather than looking to the future, I am focused on the present. I am very satisfied with what he is doing.”
Have Inter found a particular tactical solution against your teams?
“There was a period when we managed to achieve positive results against Inter. That has not happened in recent years and we have always lost.
“There may be a tactical aspect, although the coaches have changed. There was Conte, then Inzaghi and now Chivu. The results have not changed.
“However, Inter have produced those difficult records against several opponents. Juventus once won seven, eight or nine consecutive league titles and it became extremely difficult to get a result against them. The victories came after that period ended.
“There can be several factors involved. We are certainly facing a strong team. They are much stronger than they were before, when they were already achieving results.”
Compared with what you said during the summer, did you have to work again to switch the players back on?
“This season began in unusual circumstances because the World Cup was played in the middle of everything. Players returned at different times and the transfer market was still open, with several operations taking place.
“Overall, we had a good preparation. Once the league begins, the level of focus naturally changes.
“However, that focus has never been missing from this group. Apart from the second half in Milan last season, when we became discouraged after an excellent first half, this team has always remained alert, focused and committed to achieving the best possible result.”
What are the conditions of Koné, Ndicka, Wesley and Pellegrini?
“I am still keeping my fingers crossed. Everyone is available for tomorrow. That is already an extraordinary result because it rarely happens.
“With 22 or 23 players, someone will always feel slightly better than another. We had some seasonal illnesses last week. A few players received knocks and others have minor issues, but that is normal.
“We have our final training session today. I believe the focus generated by the match will help everyone overcome those small problems and they will all be present.
“Pellegrini has now trained regularly with the team for a second consecutive week. He can do everything and is available.
“The long break after this match could be an opportunity for him and perhaps some others to do additional work because he has not played for some time. We will see whether it is appropriate to organize a friendly.”
Will Roma approach the match as usual or are you considering changes?
“For me, the priority is always doing what is necessary to achieve the best result for the team.
“Every match is different. The performances of your players and the opposition can also vary.
“It is essential to read the situation moment by moment because we cannot predict what will happen over the 90 minutes. We must find solutions aimed at achieving the best possible result.
“Against Atalanta, I introduced two defenders because I wanted to win. I thought we were becoming tired at the back and that solving that issue could help us come back.
“We must also become more comfortable with changing defenders. Most teams introduce fresh attackers at certain moments, but substitutions in defence are considered less often. It is something that must be evaluated.
“On Monday in Turin, Malen or Dybala was replaced because we were having some problems in midfield. De Roon came on and restored our balance.
“Those decisions are never signals that we want to settle or stop pursuing the best possible result.”
There has been discussion about Massa’s appointment for Roma-Inter. What do you think?
“Massa will be perfect tomorrow. There will be no more controversy.”
What attitude do you expect from your players in such an important match?
“Nothing different from what we have always shown.
“It is a football match. It is important because of everything surrounding it, but we must recognize that we earned the opportunity to play this type of game.
“Our results have allowed us to arrive at this occasion in our current position. We will try to perform to the best of our ability.”
Were you satisfied with Molina on the left, and can Wesley continue playing on the right?
“Both players can operate on either side. They have different characteristics despite both being right-footed, but they are capable of playing on both flanks.”
Would you rather enter this match with Malen in his current form or a defence that has conceded once in four league games?
“I think they are both excellent achievements.
“Some people say teams are near the top because they concede very few goals. Others say it is because they score many.
“I believe the teams at the top usually have the best attack and the best defence. Otherwise, they would not be there. If they are not the very best in both areas, they are usually very close.”
Leave a Reply