Gasperini excited for Sarri rivalry in Rome derby
Gian Piero Gasperini is relishing the chance to renew his long-standing rivalry with Maurizio Sarri in Monday's (AEST)Derby della Capitale between Lazio and Roma.
Gasperini has faced Sarri 21 times during his managerial career, only taking on Massimiliano Allegri (29), Stefano Pioli (27) and Simone Inzaghi (22) more in all competitions.
However, it is the former Chelsea boss who holds a slight advantage in the head-to-head record, registering seven wins to Gasperini's six, along with eight draws between them.
Their most recent meetings date back to the 2023-2024 Serie A campaign, with both coaches earning a victory apiece in that campaign.
Matias Vecino's 83rd-minute winner sealed a 3-2 win for Lazio over Atalanta, although Gasperini got his revenge in the return game, with Charles De Ketelaere's brace earning a 3-1 victory.
"It's an important and special match," Gasperini said of the derby. "Some rightly say it's a match of its own because of what it carries into the following weeks. In the city, there's this great rivalry.
"It will be nice to meet [Sarri] in the derby. We have faced each other many times, with respect, and the awareness of a tough opponent, and an organised team with clear ideas.
"I hope it will become a really good match for the fans, one that honours the concepts of both coaches."
Last time out, Gasperini suffered his first defeat since taking over from Claudio Ranieri over the summer, with his Roma side beaten 1-0 by Torino at Stadio Olimpico.
Despite that loss, Roma is seventh in the early season standings, taking six points from its opening three league games, while Lazio is down in 12th.
The result saw Roma lose without scoring in a Serie A match for the first time since a 2-0 defeat to Como last December, but Gasperini is pleased with his squad.
"I'm very happy with how everyone has worked over these first two months," he added. "It was important to establish an effective connection right away.
"For me, it has always been like this. Results are built along the way.
"At first, it’s hard to set goals, but as the matches go on, you see how much we improve and how strong the opponents are. You can start to have a clear picture.
"The principles that have allowed me to reach this point are the same I’ll try to bring to Roma, even if, of course, football moves forward.
"It evolves, and you always need to be alert to every small change. Alert to opponents and alert to the skill sets of your own players."
