Rome arrives at Saturday evening with the lights on and the pressure rising. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, early leaders in Serie A, face Inter at 18:00 with a squad reshaped by targeted recruitment and the decision to keep Manu Koné.
Key takeaways
- AS Roma sit top of Serie A after a fast start to the campaign.
- Gian Piero Gasperini has made an immediate mark on the Giallorossi team.
- Roma retained midfielder Manu Koné despite the summer attention around him.
- Leonardo Balerdi has emerged as one of the notable additions to the squad.
- Saturday’s meeting with Inter will provide an early test of Roma’s title credentials.
Gasperini’s early impact in Rome
Roma’s opening weeks have placed them at the summit of the Italian league, with Gasperini quickly giving the side a clearer collective identity. The former Atalanta coach has inherited a group now combining continuity in midfield with carefully chosen new arrivals.
Koné’s continued presence has been important to that balance. Roma opted not to lose the France international, preserving an athletic and influential option in the centre of the pitch as Gasperini puts his stamp on the side.
Balerdi, meanwhile, has been one of the unexpected elements of the rebuild. The defender’s arrival has added to a squad that appears more equipped for the demands of a sustained challenge.
Inter test the early leaders
The trip into a major fixture against Inter on Saturday will bring Roma’s strong start into sharper focus. Leading the table in the opening phase is one thing; maintaining that position against a direct heavyweight is another.
For Gasperini, the contest offers an early measure of whether his new Roma can turn an impressive launch into a genuine title race.
