Gasperini says Roma ‘will try’ to stop Modric and Milan after ‘excellent start’

Ahead of the important game between AC Milan and Roma at San Siro, the Giallorossi coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the media at his pre-match press conference. 

Roma have started the season very well, with 21 points collected so far, and will be looking to remain at the top along with Napoli. However, a defeat tomorrow would see Milan leapfrog them in the standings, so we are definitely talking about an important game.

Obviously, Gasperini knows Milan very well from his time at Atalanta, a team that Milan often found themselves struggling against. There is a little bit of concern in the Rossoneri camp, as such, but Roma also have some things to work on.

Speaking to the media at his pre-game presser earlier today, as transcribed by TMW, Gasperini shared his thoughts on the game. He also spoke about Milan and Roma’s chances in the Scudetto, or rather refused to talk about it directly, and praised Luka Modric.

Allegri spoke about Dybala. What have you added to the Dybala that we all know?

“Paulo’s problems have always been injuries, but he has all the qualities, both in terms of shooting and physical condition. He’s a player who has achieved important goals. His consistency is dictated by the fact that he’s training well; in the past, perhaps he needed more rest at times.

“Now, he’s also mentally confident, he knows he can reach certain levels. We are bringing out the best in him. I hope it will be an important season for him. He’s not that old and can still play for many years.”

Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Are Roma and Milan more than outsiders in the Scudetto race?

“I’m not involved in these discussions. I’m focusing on Roma and how we stack up to Milan. Both teams have had an excellent start, so you guys can take care of the rest. I agree that Inter and Napoli are the favourites, but otherwise, our goal is to compete with the big teams. Milan have value, with important players who arrived in the summer: it’s an opportunity.”

Roma have clinched more points than any other team in 2025…

“It’s difficult to achieve more in terms of points, even if it only yielded a fifth-place finish. We can work every day; that’s my goal: to improve and involve everyone. To be more competitive… let’s hope the points are more effective than those already achieved.”

Can Cristante man-mark Modric?

“For our type of game, everyone will be important. I don’t know if we will play like this or with a different attacking trio. Modric is fantastic and he’s not easily restricted. But we will try.”