Christian Kivu, the head coach of Inter Milan, praised coach Gian Piero Gasperini of Roma ahead of the anticipated clash between the two teams in Serie A, and also spoke about the condition of his injured striker Marcus Thuram, confirming that his return date has not yet been determined.

Kivu said: "Roma has done a great job of maintaining the continuity of the Ranieri project, and Gasperini has added a style of individual marking, which has given the team the necessary balance while maintaining defensive solidity."

He added: "Roma is a very organized team, knows how to defend well and reads the flow of matches intelligently, they press courageously when needed, and they know how to defend deeply with a goalkeeper who performs outstandingly. We need to be clear and seize opportunities when they allow it, and act quickly to break their defensive organization."

Kivu spoke about his previous experience as a player under Gasperini at Inter during the 2011/2012 season, saying: "My experience with him was short, but I had a great impression. I later confirmed his value through what he presented in Bergamo. At one point, we drew inspiration from his ideas, and he proved capable of applying a new philosophy in Italian football. I respect him a lot, just as I respected him when he was my coach."

He added: "I would have been the left center-back in his new formation, and we enjoyed the preparation period, but the results did not serve us, and I was dismissed early. However, he later proved his value and ideas, and I am very happy that he has become an inspiration for young coaches."

Regarding the condition of Marcus Thuram, Kivu said: "I do not know exactly when he will return, but I have three strikers ready, all capable of performing the required role against any opponent, and they are good at improvisation when needed."

Kivu also spoke about young Francesco Pio Esposito, who has garnered significant media attention recently, explaining: "We must deal with the pressure because it is part of the game. It is annoying to hear unreasonable comparisons, but he has proven that, despite his young age, he knows how to take responsibility. He is an important international player and is appreciated everywhere, but he is still young and his life has changed a lot in a short time. Now he is on stage, and he has to learn how to stay there and accept mistakes. The important thing is that he has a lot of room for development."

Kivu concluded his remarks by recalling his memories with Roma, where he played between 2003 and 2007, saying: "The four years I spent in Roma were very important for me. I had a wonderful experience in the most beautiful league in the world with a coach like Capello who wanted me there, and I also worked with Spalletti, Voller, Bruno Conti, and Del Neri. I loved Italy a lot, and I thank this country for the way it welcomed me, as that period helped me grow as a player and as a person.