Gasperini seeks to bridge gap against benchmark Inter | OneFootball

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini set out his side's aim to close the gap on Serie A leaders Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico, calling the champions the benchmark and accepting their superior depth. He confirmed a fully fit squad.

According to Goal.com, the veteran coach, who has lost his last 10 meetings with Inter across various spells, views the match as a mental test and believes genuine Scudetto ambitions can only be assessed after 20 matchdays.

He suggested Inter might be his kryptonite, noting he once picked up results before a long run of defeats in recent years. He said tactics might play a part, but from Antonio Conte to Simone Inzaghi to Cristian Chivu the outcome has stayed the same, and he underlined the strength of the opponents.

Manu Kone, Evan Ndicka and Wesley have shaken off minor knocks and seasonal flu, and Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned to full training over the past fortnight after a long lay-off. Gasperini added that pre-match tension should outweigh any lingering fatigue, and he dismissed recent refereeing noise around Davide Massa, backing him to deliver a perfect performance.

On the right, youngster Lulli is in contention to start. Gasperini highlighted the flexibility of Nahuel Molina and Wesley, both right-footers who can operate on either flank. Roma aim to sustain their improved league position and halt their winless run against the leaders.

Source: Goal.com

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