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 competition”.
Two Serie A title contenders will face off in a mouth-watering showdown at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
Roma are among the early pacesetters this season with 15 points from their first six games, 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 season, believes the visit of Inter will be a strong test of his side’s early title credentials.
“Right now we are in a good position. We will try to make the best of it,” he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
“We come into the game as table leaders. Inter are undoubtedly the best team in the competition, next to Napoli; we all agree on that.”
“Inter are extraordinary because of what they have done in Serie A and in the Champions League [reaching two finals in three years]. It is a strong team, but it is also a great challenge for us. I agree with what has been said; it’s a way to measure ourselves.
“The best way to judge your level is against strong teams; when you face the best you understand and see how competitive you can be, even if it is just for one match. Fortunately, in football sometimes you can win or get a result if the performance is not perfect.”
“These are matches where everything has to be done right. I expect a determined Inter team. It seems like a great challenge to me.”
Inter, meanwhile, will head to the capital on the back of a run of five straight wins in all competitions, and will move level with Roma by continuing that run.
Nevertheless, Cristian Chivu knows the Nerazzurri will have to be at their best for that as he paid tribute to his counterpart.
“The Roma have done well to provide continuity [Claudio] Ranieri’s work [from last season]’, said the Inter boss. “Gasperini added man-marking, and they found the right balance, keeping the solidity.
“They are a well-organized team, they defend well and they know how to read the moments of a match. They persevere courageously when necessary, but they also know how to defend deep with a goalkeeper who does very well.”
“We need clarity to recognize the opportunities when they allow something, and we just need to be alert to act as quickly as possible and damage their defensive organization.”
Lautaro’s goal? Perfect symphony#RomaInter pic.twitter.com/eoVQMpZuUa
— Inter(@Inter) October 17, 2025
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 in the Italian top flight so far.
Inter-Lautaro Martínez
Martinez has found the net in each of his last three games for Inter in all competitions (with four goals).
The Nerazzurri captain now looks to score for his team for the fourth time in four consecutive games, having also achieved this feat in January 2025, January 2023 and October 2019.
MATCH PREDICTION – INTER WIN
Inter is on a winning streak of five in a row and is looking to make it six consecutive wins in Serie A for the first time since a 13-match run between January and March 2024.
The Nerazzurri scored at least 22 goals in their first eight games of a season in all competitions for the second time in the last 60 years, also achieving the feat under Luigi Simoni in 1997–98.
Inter are unbeaten in each of their last eight away games against Roma (won five, drawn three) and have won their last four such encounters.
Meanwhile, the Giallorossi have not won consecutive Serie A meetings since the 2016/2017 season with the Nerazzurri, who they defeated in their most recent clash at San Siro on April 27.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Roma – 29.8%
Draw – 28.4%
Inter – 41.9%
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