Gasperini: Inter the ‘benchmark team’ in Serie A, but Roma have ‘positive energy’
TURIN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 14: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of AS Roma, looks on during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on September 14, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini sees ‘positive energy’ in his team, but insists Inter are the ‘benchmark team’ in Serie A: ‘They have something more than everyone else.’
Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini previewed Saturday’s big game against Inter at a press conference on the eve of the game.
The Giallorossi have won four games in a row, just like the Nerazzurri and are the only teams with 12 points in four Serie A matches.
Roma vs. Inter – Gasperini’s pre-match press conference
“Enthusiasm and desire are positive energy,” Gasperini said via Sky Sport Italia.
“Of course, we have to play, and of course-when things go less well-there’s always the risk of getting depressed; but now we don’t have to think about it.
“Let’s think about the match, the wait, our environment. I think these are the good games to play.
“I believe Inter are the benchmark team in the league,” Gasperini continued.
“They are a team that, over time, have been doing extraordinary things. And not just in Italy.”
Inter are the defending Serie A champions and also won the Coppa Italia in 2025-26.
“I think they have something more than everyone else. The results speak for themselves, and they are remarkable,” Gasperini noted.
“You also have to be comfortable enough to acknowledge that. We should focus on ourselves, not the others. I’m satisfied with what we’re doing, and we’re trying to establish ourselves in an increasingly higher tier of the league. They’ve been at the top for years; Napoli have managed to break into that group in some seasons.
“Games like this take care of the mental preparation themselves. You need clarity,” added the Roma coach.
“Against Torino it was a difficult match because Serie A is difficult. It’s normal to have difficulties. It would be too nice to always win and win easily.”
Gasperini has lost 22 of his 36 meetings against Inter as a coach, grabbing nine draws and just five wins.
“There was a period when I often got results with Inter; in recent years, it hasn’t been like that,” he admitted.
“The coaches have also changed. Conte, Inzaghi, Chivu, and the result hasn’t changed,” he added, smiling.
“I think Inter have done this to other teams too. I had experienced the same thing before against Juventus.”
The good news for Roma is that Gasp will have the whole team available for tomorrow’s fixture.
“It’s a constant crossing of fingers, but we’re all available for tomorrow,” Gasperini said.
“It’s extraordinary because it rarely happens. Then clearly, someone is better off, and someone is worse off; there have also been some flu, some knocks, some slight sprains.
“Today is the final training session, but we’ll all be there.
“Pellegrini has been training with the team for two weeks straight, so he can do anything too. In his case, the long international break will be an opportunity to play; maybe we’ll make some friendlies.”
Roma not only has the league’s best scorer, Donyell Malen, but also the least-beaten defence in Serie A, having conceded only once. Which side does Gasp prefer?
“Both,” he concluded.
“The teams that are at the top of the table are the ones with the best attack and the best defence; otherwise, you’re not there.”
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