Gasperini told Sky Sport that Koné is remaining with the team and still has the opportunity to increase his market value.

On the extended international break, Gasperini said: "Such a long break is a new situation. A few years ago, we had a longer break in November for the Qatar World Cup, but that was to pause the league for a top-tier competition. Now, interrupting the league for international friendlies instead of a European Championship or World Cup is an experiment. If you ask around, most people aren't happy about it, but that's how it is. UEFA and FIFA officials will evaluate whether to repeat this arrangement."

Regarding the transfer market, Gasperini stated: "Forwards are the most sought-after and expensive players in the market. Our attacking lineup remains strong. As for Koné, something did happen, but he stayed with us. We couldn't find a suitable replacement—not because there weren't options available at the time, but because we were satisfied with keeping him. I'm pleased with the outcome; he still has the chance to increase his value."

Gasperini said: "I found a very cooperative team at Roma from the first training session, and I want to emphasize that again. The team finished last season well, the club gave me their confidence, and the fans recognized me too. Initially, some supporters saw me as an opponent and competitor, so there was some suspicion. Being able to earn the respect of Roma fans is a great achievement for me."

Regarding Cristante's injury, Gasperini said: "He is recovering. He has a medial collateral ligament problem in his knee and is currently undergoing treatment; we need to be patient. Will Cristante definitely miss the Como and Real Madrid matches? Not necessarily, but we don't want to take any risks."

On Como, coached by Fabregas, Gasperini commented: "Anyone who follows football will appreciate how this team has developed, not just because of investment but also because of the quality of the players and their football. Como deserves to be among the best-performing teams in the league. Can they win the title? I don't know—it's hard to say right now. Everyone agrees that Inter Milan is currently the strongest team in terms of squad quality and achievements."

Speaking about Mourinho, Gasperini said: "Mourinho is special. Because of that, he has achieved special success beyond the pitch—in addition to winning the Conference League, he also took the team to the Europa League final. He is greatly loved by most Roma fans."

On his different experiences at Roma and Atalanta, Gasperini said: "My relationship with the Percassi family was very close; they were present with the team and me every day. In some ways, that connection went beyond work and football. The Friedkin family operates differently, but I still feel their trust and support, even though they live far away and rarely visit Roma."

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