Gasperini previews Roma’s derby with Lazio: “I hope it turns out to be a great match for the fans.” | OneFootball

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to DAZN a few days prior to kick-off to the Derby della Capitale with Lazio.

“It’s an important, unique match. Some rightly say it’s a game in itself, given the consequences it will have for the following weeks. There’s this great rivalry in the city. What I hope is that it will be a hard-fought derby, where everyone will try their best, but compared to recent derbies, let there be a bit more serenity outside, before and after the matches.”

“Let the banter prevail, but let it not remain within the bounds of violence; that’s something that kills football.”

“Sarri? It will be great to meet in this Rome derby, as we’ve been playing each other for many years, always with great mutual respect, always aware that we’re facing a tough opponent, a well-organized team, a team with clear ideas. I hope it turns out to be a great match for the fans, one that honors the beliefs of both coaches.”

“I’m very happy with how everyone has worked in these first two months. It was important to establish effective contact right away. It’s always been like this for me; you build your results along the way. It’s difficult to set goals at first. As you play matches and understand how much we’re improving and how strong our opponents are, you’ll have clearer ideas.”

On settling in Rome, “Initially, it was just about work. For me, it was a new experience after nine years, getting back into the game, trying again with new players—only a few of whom I’d coached in the past—and therefore reintroducing my ideas and my style of football. From that perspective, it was really nice. I think now I’ll start getting back to the normality of the league, the match schedules, and also experiencing the city and the atmosphere.”