Roma boss Gasperini relishing 'great challenge' against 'extraordinary' Inter

Gian Piero Gasperini says Roma's blockbuster clash with Inter will provide a great opportunity for his side to "measure ourselves" against "undoubtedly the best team in the league".

Two of Serie A's title contenders go head-to-head in a mouth-watering showdown at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Roma are among the early pacesetters this season with 15 points from their opening six matches, with only goal difference keeping them behind reigning champions Napoli.

And Gasperini, who has set his own record for points (15) and goals conceded (two) after the first six games of a Serie A campaign, thinks the visit of Inter will be a strong test of his side's early title credentials.

"Right now, we're in a good position. We'll try to make the most of it," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"We come into the game as the table leaders. Inter are undoubtedly the best team in the league, alongside Napoli; we can all agree on that.

"Inter are extraordinary for what they've done in Serie A and in the Champions League [reaching two finals in three years]. They're a strong team, but it's also a great challenge for us. I agree with what was said; it's a way to measure ourselves.

"The best way to assess your level is against strong teams; facing the best helps you understand and see how competitive you can be. Even if it's just for one game. Fortunately, in football, sometimes you can win or get a result when the performance isn't perfect.

"These are games where everything has to be done well. I expect a determined Inter side. It looks like a great challenge to me."

Inter, meanwhile, will head to the capital on a run of five straight victories in all competitions, and will move level on points with Roma by extending that streak.

Nevertheless, Cristian Chivu knows the Nerazzurri will have to be at their best in order to do so, as he paid tribute to his opposite number.

"Roma have done well to give continuity to [Claudio] Ranieri's work [from last season]," the Inter boss said. "Gasperini has added man-marking, and they've found the right balance, maintaining solidity.

"They are a well-organised team, they defend well, and they know how to read the moments of a match. They press with courage when needed, but they also know how to defend deep with a goalkeeper who is doing really well.

"We'll need clarity to recognise the opportunities when they allow something, and we just need to be alert to act as quickly as possible and hurt their defensive organisation."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Roma - Matias Soule

Soule has been one of the standout players during the early stages of this Serie A season.

The Argentina international has been directly involved in five goals (three goals, two assists), with only Nico Paz and Christian Pulisic (both six) registering more so far in the Italian top flight.

Inter - Lautaro Martinez

Martinez has found the net in each of his last three appearances for Inter in all competitions (scoring four goals).

The Nerazzurri skipper now looks to score in four straight games for his side for the fourth time, having also achieved the feat in January 2025, January 2023 and October 2019.