Gasperini: Lazio and Sarri have ‘clear ideas’ but warns fans that violence ‘kills football’ | OneFootball

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is glad to reunite with Maurizio Sarri for the Rome derby, but warns fans that violence kills football: ‘Let the banter prevail.’

Roma coach Gasperini spoke to DAZN ahead of Sunday’s Rome derby against Lazio.

“It’s an important and special match. 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,” said the Giallorossi boss.

Gasperini sends warning: violence kills football

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“I hope it’s an intense and hard-fought derby where everyone tries to give their best, but compared to recent derbies, [I hope] there will be a bit more calm outside the pitch before and after the game. Let the banter prevail, but without slipping into violence. That’s something that kills football.”

Italian sources report that security around the Stadio Olimpico has been reinforced amid concerns that foreign ultras, including those from Atletico Madrid and West Ham, will travel to the capital to join Lazio and Roma ultras in potential matchday clashes.

The rivalry between Roma and Lazio is among the biggest in Italian football, but Gasperini will have different feelings when reuniting with his colleague Sarri on the touchline on Sunday.

“It will be nice to meet in the Rome derby,” Gasp said.

“We have faced each other so many times, always with mutual respect, and the awareness of meeting 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 concept of both coaches.”

Gasperini was appointed as the new Roma coach earlier this summer, replacing Claudio Ranieri, and has collected two wins and one defeat in the opening three games of the 2025-26 campaign.

Gasperini happy with Roma players

WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“I’m very happy with how everyone has worked over these first two months. It was important to establish an effective connection right away. For me, it has always been like this. Results are built along the way,” Gasp said.

“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.”