Gasperini wants to pick up where Roma left off

• oached while at Napoli, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

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Roma has made a stunning start to the 2026-2027 campaign and sits top of the table, above reigning champion Inter thanks to a superior goal difference.

It is the first time since 2014-2015that Roma has remained unbeaten across its opening five league matches of the season.

Gasperini has so far been hesitant to say that Roma is in the Serie A title race, but it was rampant before the international break.

"We had a pretty small number of players and couldn't play any friendlies, so we went for continuity with the work that we did in the first week and then took a few days off," Gasperini said.

"[Monday] is the last day of holiday, and after that, we will get back into the league mentality, which we left during a great period of results and performances. We want to start where we left off.

"There have been lots of small factors, starting with the fact that I inherited a group that gave me their availability from the very first training session.

"The team had had a good end to the previous season, but the players immediately showed a willingness to explore different paths and different types of football.

"I also had the trust from the club. I've been appreciated by a club that initially brought me in as an opponent and rival. There was even a bit of scepticism. Gaining the appreciation of the Roma supporters has been a great success for me; I'm truly grateful."

Gasperini is close to winning his 300th match as a manager in Serie A.

He could reach that landmark against Como when his team returns to action on 11 October, with Cesc Fabregas's side also in good form, having lost just one of its five league games so far.

"Anyone who watches football appreciates the evolution of their team, the quality of players they have and the quality of the games they play," Gasperini said.

"Inter are still the strongest in terms of their squad and results, but Como can fight up there along with the rest of them.

"I've seen Fabregas say he uses Subbuteo to explain how to attack with depth. I have to use it to figure out how to stop him."

Gasperini is also preparing for the return of Roma's former boss Jose Mourinho, who will bring Real Madrid to Stadio Olimpico in the Champions League next week.

Mourinho led Roma to win the inaugural edition of the Conference League in May 2022, beating Feyenoord 1-0 in the final.

"Jose is, rightly, a special one, and he manages to find success on and off the pitch," Gasperini said. "He won the Conference League and reached a Europa League final with Roma. He might have done a bit less in the league, but most of the fans still appreciate him. That means he has something special."