Gasperini hails Roma's condition after 4–0 Lecce win, awaits final transfer moves

Midfielder Rodrigo Mora spoke ahead of Roma's Serie A match against Lecce on matchday two, reflecting on his early adaptation to the club and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical instructions. Mora said the training sessions were demanding at first but that results are already showing. When asked what Gasperini has emphasized in recent weeks, Mora explained: "He asks me to open up, to play vertically, to play frontally and vertically as a first option." Mora acknowledged he has not yet had time to explore Rome properly, saying he is still completing his move. He expressed hope to meet Francesco Totti soon, noting that the club legend "was an idol for an entire generation." On his own performances, Mora said he was very pleased with both matches, describing the midfield position as one in which he finds himself "perfectly comfortable and settling in well." He added that his second appearance saw him play only the second half, following an impressive debut a week earlier.

Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact at Roma, starting in one match and scoring from the bench in another, and has now spoken publicly about his early experience at the club. The Portuguese midfielder praised head coach Gasperini's influence on his arrival and his admiration for his new teammates, particularly Paulo Dybala. "It's a dream to play with Dybala, I followed him since I was a child," Mora said in a television interview after Roma's victory over Lecce. "I even tried to set up an assist for him—it's wonderful to play with players of that calibre. And with Malen too, who scored 5 goals in 2 matches." Mora revealed that Gasperini played a central role in his decision to join Roma. "He was one of the reasons I came here, he was decisive in my choice," the midfielder explained. "He wanted a player with my characteristics." On adapting to the Italian side's demands, Mora acknowledged the physical intensity of training under Gasperini but said the results are evident. "At first the training sessions were tough, it took me time to get used to them. But the results show—the team plays with intensity and rhythm," he said. "I've benefited from playing in a position where I'm comfortable." Gasperini has been particular in his coaching, Mora noted. "He corrects me often when I receive the ball, asking me to open up and take on my opponent, not to receive with my back turned. Then to play vertical passes and to play as a first option going forward." Mora, who described his previous season as not going as planned, said he is now content with his performances. "I'm happy with both matches," he stated. "I wanted to start with a goal, and it was a dream to begin this way. I want to keep going like this." On settling into Rome itself, Mora said he has not yet had time to explore the city, still in the process of moving. However, he expressed hope of meeting Francesco Totti soon. "I hope to get to know Totti, I hope it happens soon. He was an idol for an entire generation," Mora said.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the press before and after Roma's match against Lecce on the second matchday of Serie A on 31 August, reflecting on the team's start to the season and the transfer window's final hours. Gasperini defended Roma's established players, saying: "I don't know who thought otherwise, but for me it was clear we had quality players. Perhaps to raise the level all we needed was to put someone equally strong alongside them. This is an extraordinary group in moral terms and values too; they always show their faces even when things go less well and are attached to Roma, they play with passion." He noted that the side had recovered players who competed at the World Cup, including Koné and Malen, and that new arrivals were strengthening the squad. He added: "We're waiting for the market to finally close tomorrow, I can't take it anymore, so we'll talk only about football." On Malen's quality, Gasperini drew a comparison: "Malen has less height, but in terms of control-to-shot speed and accelerations over a few metres, it's a comparison I agree with," referencing Gonzalo Higuaín. He explained Roma's strong start by pointing to early preparation and the team's condition: "This year we started very early and with a group that is now in great condition." He emphasised the depth of his squad, saying: "If we're worth 100, we'll be able to do 100, not 99." On midfield reinforcement, he noted: "De Roon buttresses us a lot; forward, Rodrigo has arrived—great quality—and we're counting on Castro." When asked if Koné might depart, Gasperini was emphatic: "Absolutely not. This is a media thing. Nobody has ever spoken to me about it. We've never received official offers." Gasperini stated that mentally Roma's strength stemmed from experience gained over the previous season. The market was set to close on 1 September, and Roma remained uncertain on final squad movements in the remaining hours.

Roma demolished Lecce 4–0 at the Stadio Via del Mare in the second round of Serie A fixtures, recording a second consecutive four-goal victory after their thrashing of Fiorentina. Donyell Malen scored twice in the opening minutes to settle the match, then contributed across defence and attack throughout. Rodrigo Mora, introduced in the second half, marked his Roma debut with a goal and created a masterclass in technique that left the opposition helpless. Gianluca Mancini commanded the centre-back position with a towering defensive and attacking display, setting up Mora's goal with a crucial assist. Daniele Ghilardi, forced into action when Evan N'Dicka suffered an injury during warm-up, delivered a convincing performance at the back. Manu Koné dominated the midfield, contesting and winning every contested ball in the centre of the park, while Bryan Cristante offered essential support and recovery. Wesley provided the assist for Malen's second goal from right-back, though the quality of his delivery was inconsistent. Paulo Dybala understood the match was already decided and managed his involvement accordingly, reaching a high level throughout but ceding the spotlight to teammates; he spurned a simple goalscoring chance after receiving a fine assist from Mora. Matías Soulé netted a goal but could have finished with greater accuracy. Gian Piero Gasperini's side produced football resembling Atalanta's celebrated vintage, entirely dominating their opponent and dismantling them through a relentless goalscoring barrage. Gasperini received an 8 rating for a tactical performance that suggests the 2026–27 season holds genuine promise.

Roma hammered Lecce 4–0 to extend their perfect start to the 2026-27 season, dismantling their opponents with such force and speed that the match was settled within 25 minutes. Donyell Malen scored twice to top the Serie A scorers' chart on five goals in two games, adding his first brace in giallorosso following his debut for Fiorentina. Paulo Dybala played a quieter but pivotal role, orchestrating from midfield; Rodrigo Mora sealed the rout with his first Serie A goal. The performance laid bare Roma's trademark efficiency under Gasperini: pressing from every angle, dominating the second ball with aggression and verticality, and conceding nothing at the back. What sets this Roma apart is the orchestration. The attack flows joy, bringing defenders into play from the back line while never losing shape. Gianluca Mancini delivered a flawless defensive display, while Daniele Ghilardi, drafted in at the final second of the warm-up after Evan N'Dicka's injury, proved alert and solid across the full 90 minutes. The second 4–0 scoreline in consecutive matches — paired with the second clean sheet running — underlines Roma's early-season dominance. Malen's finishing masterclass combined precise first touch, explosive body movement to create space, and immediate shot selection. Mora's goal meant little for the scoreline but symbolised the entire mood: a Roma team that attacks with freedom and celebrates with abandon. The numbers contextualise the ambition. Only once in the previous nine seasons had Roma scored more than four goals across their opening two fixtures — in 2021–22. Roma have now matched that record and surpassed it in spectacle.

Roma swept aside Lecce 4–0 at the Stadio Via del Mare to record a second successive four-goal victory with no goals conceded. Donyell Malen scored twice in quick succession to break the deadlock, with Matías Soulé adding a third before Rodrigo Mora sealed the win. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini rotated his squad extensively, while the heat at the coastal venue posed no obstacle to Roma's rhythm and precision. The victory extends Roma's flawless start to the season and sends strong signals of intent in Serie A and Europe. Gasperini oversaw a composed, clinical performance from a team operating with high intensity despite the temperature. Daniele Ghilardi stepped in at short notice after Evan N'Dicka's late absence, while Marten de Roon made his Roma debut when introduced late in the match. The manager made several changes as the game progressed, including bringing on Niccolò Pisilli and Nahuel Molina to manage playing time and maintain sharpness across the squad. Malen's display earned an 8.5 rating in the Italian match ratings, with analysts noting his clinical finishing and all-round threat. He scored his opening goal within five minutes and added a fifth after carrying forward his momentum from Roma's previous fixture. Soulé's performance drew praise for his work rate, though the rating noted he could sharpen his finishing inside the box—he scored nonetheless. Dybala took on a creative role rather than dominating the attack, chipping in with defensive cover when needed and generating chances for teammates. Mile Svilar made a decisive save on his rare involvement in the first half, denying Lecce any consolation. Gasperini deployed a measured approach during cooling breaks to keep concentration levels high, managing a rotation policy that allowed most of the squad meaningful action while maintaining Roma's dominance across the 90 minutes.

Roma defeated Lecce 4-0 in Serie A's second matchday, extending their perfect start to the season with a dominant display. Donyell Malen scored twice in the opening 23 minutes, capitalising on defensive lapses from the hosts to put the contest beyond doubt early on. Matías Soulé added a third before half-time, while Rodrigo Mora completed the rout in the second half with his first Serie A goal. The victory follows Roma's 4-0 win over Fiorentina in their opening fixture. Gasperini's side now sit level on points with Inter, Juventus, Milan and Lazio at the top of the table with perfect records, but lead the standings on goal difference with 8 goals scored and none conceded. Malen has now signed five goals across the opening two league matches. The midfielder's contribution has been central to Roma's attacking prowess in these opening fixtures, with the attacking unit functioning at a high level across both matches.

Rodrigo Mora scored his first Roma goal in the second half of the 2–1 victory at Lecce on matchday two, and spoke to journalists after the final whistle about the significance of the moment and his early impression of the club. "I want to continue like this. Starting this way was my dream. I'm very happy," Mora said of his debut strike. He expressed particular emotion at sharing the pitch with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. "It's a dream for me to play with Dybala—I followed him since I was a child. I tried to give him an assist. For me it's marvellous to play with a champion like him and Malen." Mora credited head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with engineering his arrival: "For me the manager was decisive. He wanted a player with my characteristics. I want to continue with him." The midfielder acknowledged the physical demands of Gasperini's methods. "At first the training sessions were very hard, it cost me a bit to adapt, but the results are already showing," he said, adding that Gasperini frequently corrects his decision-making on the ball: "He corrects me often when I receive the ball—to open up, to take on the opponent, to play face-on, vertically." Mora is still in the process of settling into Rome. "I've had little time so far to visit such a special city. I had special treatment from the Porto fans and I'm getting the same from Roma fans," he said. He expressed hope of meeting Francesco Totti soon: "I haven't yet had the chance to get to know the city—I'm still finishing my move. I hope to meet Totti soon. He was an idol for an entire generation."

Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact at Roma, starting in one match and scoring from the bench in another, and has now spoken publicly about his early experience at the club. The Portuguese midfielder praised head coach Gasperini's influence on his arrival and his admiration for his new teammates, particularly Paulo Dybala. "It's a dream to play with Dybala, I followed him since I was a child," Mora said in a television interview after Roma's victory over Lecce. "I even tried to set up an assist for him—it's wonderful to play with players of that calibre. And with Malen too, who scored 5 goals in 2 matches." Mora revealed that Gasperini played a central role in his decision to join Roma. "He was one of the reasons I came here, he was decisive in my choice," the midfielder explained. "He wanted a player with my characteristics." On adapting to the Italian side's demands, Mora acknowledged the physical intensity of training under Gasperini but said the results are evident. "At first the training sessions were tough, it took me time to get used to them. But the results show—the team plays with intensity and rhythm," he said. "I've benefited from playing in a position where I'm comfortable." Gasperini has been particular in his coaching, Mora noted. "He corrects me often when I receive the ball, asking me to open up and take on my opponent, not to receive with my back turned. Then to play vertical passes and to play as a first option going forward." Mora, who described his previous season as not going as planned, said he is now content with his performances. "I'm happy with both matches," he stated. "I wanted to start with a goal, and it was a dream to begin this way. I want to keep going like this." On settling into Rome itself, Mora said he has not yet had time to explore the city, still in the process of moving. However, he expressed hope of meeting Francesco Totti soon. "I hope to get to know Totti, I hope it happens soon. He was an idol for an entire generation," Mora said.

Rodrigo Mora scored his first Roma goal in the second half of the 2–1 victory at Lecce on matchday two, and spoke to journalists after the final whistle about the significance of the moment and his early impression of the club. "I want to continue like this. Starting this way was my dream. I'm very happy," Mora said of his debut strike. He expressed particular emotion at sharing the pitch with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. "It's a dream for me to play with Dybala—I followed him since I was a child. I tried to give him an assist. For me it's marvellous to play with a champion like him and Malen." Mora credited head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with engineering his arrival: "For me the manager was decisive. He wanted a player with my characteristics. I want to continue with him." The midfielder acknowledged the physical demands of Gasperini's methods. "At first the training sessions were very hard, it cost me a bit to adapt, but the results are already showing," he said, adding that Gasperini frequently corrects his decision-making on the ball: "He corrects me often when I receive the ball—to open up, to take on the opponent, to play face-on, vertically." Mora is still in the process of settling into Rome. "I've had little time so far to visit such a special city. I had special treatment from the Porto fans and I'm getting the same from Roma fans," he said. He expressed hope of meeting Francesco Totti soon: "I haven't yet had the chance to get to know the city—I'm still finishing my move. I hope to meet Totti soon. He was an idol for an entire generation."

Rodrigo Mora has made an immediate impact at Roma, starting in one match and scoring from the bench in another, and has now spoken publicly about his early experience at the club. The Portuguese midfielder praised head coach Gasperini's influence on his arrival and his admiration for his new teammates, particularly Paulo Dybala. "It's a dream to play with Dybala, I followed him since I was a child," Mora said in a television interview after Roma's victory over Lecce. "I even tried to set up an assist for him—it's wonderful to play with players of that calibre. And with Malen too, who scored 5 goals in 2 matches." Mora revealed that Gasperini played a central role in his decision to join Roma. "He was one of the reasons I came here, he was decisive in my choice," the midfielder explained. "He wanted a player with my characteristics." On adapting to the Italian side's demands, Mora acknowledged the physical intensity of training under Gasperini but said the results are evident. "At first the training sessions were tough, it took me time to get used to them. But the results show—the team plays with intensity and rhythm," he said. "I've benefited from playing in a position where I'm comfortable." Gasperini has been particular in his coaching, Mora noted. "He corrects me often when I receive the ball, asking me to open up and take on my opponent, not to receive with my back turned. Then to play vertical passes and to play as a first option going forward." Mora, who described his previous season as not going as planned, said he is now content with his performances. "I'm happy with both matches," he stated. "I wanted to start with a goal, and it was a dream to begin this way. I want to keep going like this." On settling into Rome itself, Mora said he has not yet had time to explore the city, still in the process of moving. However, he expressed hope of meeting Francesco Totti soon. "I hope to get to know Totti, I hope it happens soon. He was an idol for an entire generation," Mora said.

Emanuele Lulli spoke to journalists after Roma's match against Lecce in the second round of the Serie A season at the Via del Mare stadium. The 19-year-old class of 2007 reflected on his breakthrough moment with the club, crediting his teammates and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for their support. Lulli expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play at Roma, acknowledging the significant moment in his career. He highlighted the immediate impact of his teammates' guidance and the manager's faith in him. The defender also praised Paulo Dybala, saying: "It's very easy playing with Dybala. He always gives me the ball at the right moment, gives me advice, pushes me to go at the opponent. I'm grateful!" Reflecting on his recent weeks, Lulli recalled his time at Fiorentina: "At first I didn't believe it. With Fiorentina I was living a dream – I was completely in my comfort zone. But after the first training sessions I put myself out there and said this is only the beginning. I have a lot to improve, but I'm happy and I thank the squad and the manager for their trust." He concluded with an optimistic outlook: "I've been working for this my whole life. I'm finally fulfilling my dream. I have to thank my teammates who give me advice and the manager who trusts me. I'm certain this is only the beginning of the dream!"