Chiffi appointed for Lecce–Roma

AS Roma are prepared to let Jan Ziolkowski leave the club, with Monza on the verge of signing the Polish defender on loan in Serie A. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has moved on from Ziolkowski in his defensive plans, and after the pre-season work and the opening match against Fiorentina, Roma have decided to send him out to play. Negotiations advanced on 26 August, with talks held between Monza's representatives and Ziolkowski's agents, and the transfer could be completed in the coming hours. One obstacle remains. Monza have requested the inclusion of a buyout clause, a demand Roma have not yet accepted. This is the final point the two clubs must resolve before a deal can be confirmed. Ziolkowski has already made his preference clear: he wants to play regularly and be a key player. Monza have given him guarantees on that front. Once the clause issue is settled, Ziolkowski will leave Trigoria and begin his Serie A adventure.

Roma will travel to Lecce on Monday 31 August at 18:30 for their first away fixture of the season, following their 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. Daniele Chiffi will take charge of the match at Via del Mare stadium, assisted by Imperiale and Cecconi. Di Bello will be fourth official, with Di Paolo as VAR and Paganessi as AVAR. Chiffi has overseen 14 previous Roma matches, with a record of 9 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats for the club. His most recent encounter was last season's 3–2 victory over Parma, a result that proved crucial in Roma's pursuit of Champions League qualification. In 2023, however, José Mourinho heavily criticised Chiffi following Roma's draw with Monza, earning himself a suspension for his outburst. Mourinho said: "Playing with the worst referee I have found in my career is difficult, and I have encountered many poor ones. The referee did not influence the result, but it is difficult to play with him. Technically terrible, from a human point of view he is not empathetic."

Daniele Chiffi will officiate Lecce versus Roma on Monday 31 August at 18:30 at the Stadio Via del Mare in the second round of Serie A 2026–27. The Padova referee will be supported by assistants Imperiale and Cecconi, with Di Bello as fourth official. Di Paolo will oversee VAR duties, assisted by Paganessi. Roma's record against Chiffi stands at 9 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats—a positive balance ahead of the trip to Puglia. The teams' most recent meeting under Chiffi came in the 36th round of last season, when Roma won 2–3 against Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. Lecce's history with the Padova referee is less encouraging. The Salento side have won 4 times against Chiffi, drawn 3 and lost 8. Their last encounter came in matchday 22 of the 2025–26 Serie A season, a goalless draw with Lazio.