Gasperini sets Roma's target on the title, says second place is not enough

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has openly declared that his side's objective this season is the Serie A title, saying he would not settle for second place, according to Corriere dello Sport. The newspaper reported that Gasperini made the statement after the win over Sassuolo, framing it as a clear message to his squad to believe in what they are doing rather than a bid for easy applause.

The report said Roma's strong start over the first 11 matchdays gives Gasperini grounds to aim high, though he described the team as "competitive technically but not numerically" — a signal, per the paper, that the club will need to strengthen in the January market to match his ambitions. Corriere dello Sport noted Roma have already scored 31 goals this season, compared with 59 in total last year, and highlighted the team's intensity and tactical and mental solidity.

The paper added that Roma no longer depend so heavily on Malen, with goals now coming from across the squad including defenders. It said the longer-term question is how Roma cope with the demands of the Champions League and whether they can add quality and depth to sustain Gasperini's high-intensity style.