Gasperini: We want to continue successful season against Roma

While the Giallorossi go into the game knowing they need to win in order to keep up their bid to finish second in Serie A, Gasperini’s side have no such immediate targets to play for – with top-flight safety already secured, but European qualification beyond their reach.

However, the Rossoblu coach has insisted his side will still be fully focused against Roma, with his team aiming to finish as high as possible in the table to cap a successful campaign.

“This is going to be a tough game against a Roma side in great shape. You can’t ignore Luciano Spalletti’s chase for second,” Gasperini said.

“However, we are relaxed, free of pressure and have 10th place to defend, which keeps us in the top half of the table.

“I told the players we’ve achieved our objective of safety, so now let’s go looking for the bonuses. The season has progressed in a positive way.”

Gasperini revealed that goalkeeper Mattia Perin is his only significant injury concern – with Alessio Cerci expected to overcome a minor problem to be available.

The coach said he was delighted to have so many options at his disposal to face one of the best sides in the division – although admitted it will be bittersweet to see former player Diego Perotti line up for the opposition.

“Roma are, with Juventus and Napoli, the strongest sides in Serie A and were candidates for the Scudetto starting out,” the coach added. “Spalletti did well to recover Roma’s best selves.

“Perotti did give something more to a squad that was already strong, while Stephan El Shaarawy is also doing well.

“Perotti was important for us, as was Iago Falque last season, both on the field and in the locker room. We remain fond of them and they found in us the right environment to prove themselves.”

Gasperini promised that Monday’s game would be an exciting contest between two teams determined to push forward and attack.

“The culture of the draw is not part of our mentality,” he noted. “Our determination to seek three points can make us overdo it at times, but that is part of our philosophy.”