Gian Piero Gasperini, the head coach of AS Roma, spoke at the press conference before the clash with Lazio in the capital derby, emphasizing the uniqueness of the encounter and its difficulties, while commenting on the situation of his injured players and his tactical options.

Gasperini said: "We still don't know about Wijnaldum and Hermoso; Wijnaldum had a stomach upset, while Hermoso will train today. We are not very optimistic, but I still hold some hope."

He added: "The derby has a special meaning, for the fans, the atmosphere, and the colors. It is a unique and completely different match regardless of the league standings. It is a city rivalry that makes everything more tense."

Regarding the necessity of winning and the importance of the match, he stated: "The matches that remain in memory are only the ones you win; no one remembers draws, and defeats are forgotten quickly. Only victories stick in your mind. Playing the derby in the fourth round is unusual, but that’s what the draw dictated."

On Lazio, he said: "Lazio is a good team with a great coach who has proven himself everywhere. They haven’t bought new players, but they haven’t sold anyone from last year's team either. They achieved excellent results last season except for the last two months. I know well the strength of this team and the quality of its players."

About Sarri and comparing experiences, he clarified: "This is a great challenge where I can put my experience in a city like Rome. I will have to step out of my comfort zone, but I will stick to my principles of having an attacking team that seeks to win with beautiful football and a fighting spirit. Sarri and I started from scratch, and we first met in the third division. Everything we have achieved until the Rome derby has come thanks to the results."

On Pellegrini, he confirmed: "The players never lack desire; playing for Roma is always special. I don't think Pellegrini's desire has changed. Any player I ask to play tomorrow will be ready. I consider him a great player and he can be exceptional like Dybala. His physical readiness is good, and he may participate tomorrow if we prepare him fully; we will have a player at the highest level."

Regarding Duvbik and the team's development, he stated: "You have to be decisive in critical moments. Duvbik is like any other player; he didn’t play against Torino due to other circumstances. We didn’t have a good match, but we weren’t worse than the opponent; we lost from just one shot."

He continued: "I want to see the team develop. Some players like Duvbik and Pellegrini haven’t left, and I need to bring them back into the picture. After the transfer market closes, I only look forward; I need all players at their best possible level."

On Tsimikas and Angelino: "Tsimikas has started training with us and will participate soon, whether as a starter or a substitute. After Lazio, we have many matches, and he will get his chance."

Regarding his role and Sarri's role in the derby, he confirmed: "Yes, but unfortunately, we cannot play. We bear the responsibility, but the players are the ones who must give everything they have. These matches are highly anticipated by the fans."

On the playing style, he clarified: "The principles will not change, but I have to adapt to the characteristics of the available players. You cannot erase two months of work due to one bad match; the fundamentals remain constant."

On Roma's attack, he stated: "I’m not saying we are unlucky; attacking and defending are everyone’s responsibility. When we don’t score enough, we have to work as a team to find solutions. This is an area we need to improve collectively."

On pressure and spaces, he said: "We need to do both together; we must know the opponent's strengths and play to our strengths to create problems for them."

He concluded his statements by saying: "Except for the players I mentioned with injuries earlier, the rest are all fine."