Roma motivated to face Inter in top-two battle
Gian Piero Gasperini is excited to see his Roma side test itself against Inter Milan this weekend as both teams defend their perfect records in Serie A.
Roma and Inter are first and second respectively after four straight wins in the Italian top flight, with the Giallorossi ahead on goal difference.
While Nerazzurri boss Cristian Chivu did not give a pre-match press conference, Gasperini used his to pinpoint Inter as the true test of his side's level.
"I believe Inter are the benchmark team in the league," the Roma boss said. "They are a team that, over time, have been doing extraordinary things – and not just in Italy.
"I think they have something more than everyone else. The results speak for themselves, and they are remarkable.
"You have to be comfortable enough to acknowledge that. We should focus on ourselves, not on 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."
Roma has the second-best attack in Serie A this season with 12 goals in four games, while it has only conceded once, giving it the division's best defence.
Asked which of those records he would prefer to maintain, Gasperini said: "Both.
"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."
While Inter will be without midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu and centre-back John Stones owing to injury, Gasperini had a fully fit squad to choose from.
"It's a constant crossing of fingers, but everyone is available for tomorrow. It's extraordinary because it rarely happens," Gasperini said.
"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 will all be there."
