Ahead of the top-of-the-table clash against Inter, Gasperini spoke to Sky Sport about Roma's recent form and expectations for the season.

Did you expect the team to make such an excellent start with four consecutive wins in the first four rounds? How important is this momentum psychologically? In what other areas do you think Roma can continue to improve?

"Rather than expectation, it was hope. We believe the team has already gelled well, and compared to last season, we have a significant advantage at the start: we've been together longer, know each other better, and have absorbed and integrated many things."

Your reputation comes from attacking football, but this Roma also shows strong defensive stability. How satisfied are you with this balance? Did you expect Baldanzi to be effective so quickly?

"That was our expectation for Baldanzi: we believed we signed a very strong player. His adaptation has been very smooth, and he only partially participated in our pre-season preparations. This shows he is a true professional, arrived at the team in excellent condition, and is ready to contribute immediately."

Dybala and Malen have formed a very effective partnership. What makes them so complementary?

"Perhaps it's precisely because they are very complementary, and their characteristics work very well together. Dybala can read Malen's runs even when he doesn't seem to be looking at him, and delivers high-quality passes. Malen, on the other hand, has an extremely strong ability to turn simple chances into goals; although those chances may look simple, they're actually quite difficult to execute. This is a very effective pairing."

Is it time to raise the bar now? Can you start thinking about the Serie A title?

"This is not how you raise the bar. Goals aren't raised by setting more or less ambitious targets, but by improving every day, constantly developing as a team with players of different characteristics, and striving to do better in every match."

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