Gasperini names starting XI for Lecce trip: Malen leads with Dybala and Soulé in support

Roma are continuing their hunt for an attacking winger, with director Florian D'Amico working on two fronts: Chelsea's Jadon Gittens and Stuttgart's Lenny Leweling. During recent talks with Chelsea regarding Manu Koné, the club discussed a possible loan move for Gittens. According to Sky Sport, negotiations are ongoing but Roma are still waiting for Chelsea to open the door to a loan arrangement. The club's latest proposal involves a paid loan worth €5 million with a purchase option set at €50 million to persuade the London side. Parallel discussions are progressing with Stuttgart over Leweling. An agreement in principle exists with the German club, but the player has not yet given his consent to the move. Roma have ruled out Luiz Henrique, the Brazilian winger moving further away due to high commission demands from his agents. Separately, Fofana will join Sunderland.

Roma are attempting to sign Gittens regardless of the outcome of the Manu Koné situation. Following head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's firm rejection of selling the French midfielder, a stance the club's ownership communicated to Chelsea, Roma are now pushing ahead for the English winger, who is a priority target for Gasperini.

Roma have closed the door on Manu Koné's departure despite Chelsea's aggressive late-window pursuit. The English club has tabled an offer reported at €65 million for the midfielder, with some sources citing a figure closer to €60 million plus the possibility of including winger Jamie Gittens in the deal. Roma's stance remains unshakeable: Koné is not for sale. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini underlined the club's resolve after Roma's victory at Lecce, stating categorically when asked about Koné's potential departure: "Absolutely no". Gasperini revealed that the Friedkin ownership shares that position entirely, saying: "I also know that the ownership is not in agreement with sales." The coach made those comments before any formal Chelsea proposal had reached Roma's table, reflecting the unified technical and boardroom determination to keep one of the squad's most important midfielders intact during the final hours of the transfer window. Chelsea's approach has been concrete and sustained across the closing days of the market, but the diverging valuations reported—Schira citing €65 million against Sky Sport's €60 million—underline the gap between what the London club is offering and what Roma would demand if they were willing to negotiate. The possibility of Gittens joining the package reflects Chelsea's awareness of Roma's long-standing interest in the winger during this transfer window. However, Roma's starting position has not shifted: Koné remains a cornerstone of their midfield and a non-negotiable asset. The situation will continue to be monitored through the close of the window, but Roma have signalled they have no intention of dismantling their midfield in the final hours. Chelsea can persist, but altering Roma's resolve requires more than a substantial financial offer alone.

Donyell Malen has become a revelation for Roma since his arrival, scoring five goals in the first two Serie A matches of the 2026-27 season. The Dutch forward has completely transformed the club's attacking play, combining prolific finishing with an ability to create for teammates. In yesterday's fixture against Lecce, Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net—Mora notably scoring after managing just one league goal throughout the previous season under Farioli. Roma have already struck eight goals across their opening two matches, a dramatic acceleration compared to last season when head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side required until 26 October, the eighth matchday, to reach that same tally. Only against Fiorentina and Verona last season had Roma scored twice in a single league match. The contrast with the previous year's attacking output is stark. The pairing of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson last season yielded just six goals combined in Serie A, while Malen has already reached five in two games. The attacking unit is set to strengthen further once Paulo Dybala and Santiago Castro return to full availability, and Roma are also pursuing an additional forward signing before the close of the transfer window.

Donyell Malen has joined an elite group of Serie A strikers after scoring twice against Lecce to reach 19 goals in his first 20 competitive appearances for Roma. The Dutch forward's record places him behind only two legendary figures in the single round-robin era of Italian football: Gunnar Nordahl in 1949 and José Altafini between 1958 and 1959, both of whom scored 20 goals in their opening 20 matches. Malen has established himself as a cornerstone of Roma's attack under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini this season. His prolific form ranks among the most significant impacts recorded by any newcomer to Italian football in recent history, confirming his status as a defining attacking weapon for the club.

Roma hammered Lecce 4–0 to claim three points in a one-sided fixture, with Donyell Malen producing a standout performance. Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net. Emanuele Lulli delivered a strong display in defence, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as an unexpected highlight after being drafted in at short notice due to Evan N'Dicka's absence. Gasperini deployed Roma in a 3–4–1–2 formation. Ghilardi's emergency shift proved effective, earning him marks of 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport, 6.5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 7 from Messaggero, and 7 from Tempo. Mile Svilar received ratings ranging from 6.5 to 7 across the four newspapers. Gianluca Mancini was rated between 6 and 7, while Mario Hermoso earned 6 to 7.5 depending on the outlet. In midfield, Bryan Cristante was graded 6.5 to 8, with Corriere awarding him the highest mark. Manu Koné received 6.5 to 7.5 before being withdrawn at the 67th minute in favour of Niccolò Pisilli. Wesley was rated 6.5 to 7 and was replaced at the 60th minute by Nahuel Molina. Malen's performance drew praise with an 8 from Gazzetta, Messaggero and Tempo, and 8.5 from Corriere. Soulé was marked 6.5 to 7.5 and was substituted at the 60th minute for Mora, who received 6.5 to 7. Paulo Dybala earned 6.5 to 7.5 before departing at the 84th minute for Marten de Roon. Gasperini received ratings of 7.5 to 8 for his management.

Donyell Malen has become a revelation for Roma since his arrival, scoring five goals in the first two Serie A matches of the 2026-27 season. The Dutch forward has completely transformed the club's attacking play, combining prolific finishing with an ability to create for teammates. In yesterday's fixture against Lecce, Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net—Mora notably scoring after managing just one league goal throughout the previous season under Farioli. Roma have already struck eight goals across their opening two matches, a dramatic acceleration compared to last season when head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side required until 26 October, the eighth matchday, to reach that same tally. Only against Fiorentina and Verona last season had Roma scored twice in a single league match. The contrast with the previous year's attacking output is stark. The pairing of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson last season yielded just six goals combined in Serie A, while Malen has already reached five in two games. The attacking unit is set to strengthen further once Paulo Dybala and Santiago Castro return to full availability, and Roma are also pursuing an additional forward signing before the close of the transfer window.

Roma hammered Lecce 4–0 to claim three points in a one-sided fixture, with Donyell Malen producing a standout performance. Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net. Emanuele Lulli delivered a strong display in defence, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as an unexpected highlight after being drafted in at short notice due to Evan N'Dicka's absence. Gasperini deployed Roma in a 3–4–1–2 formation. Ghilardi's emergency shift proved effective, earning him marks of 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport, 6.5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 7 from Messaggero, and 7 from Tempo. Mile Svilar received ratings ranging from 6.5 to 7 across the four newspapers. Gianluca Mancini was rated between 6 and 7, while Mario Hermoso earned 6 to 7.5 depending on the outlet. In midfield, Bryan Cristante was graded 6.5 to 8, with Corriere awarding him the highest mark. Manu Koné received 6.5 to 7.5 before being withdrawn at the 67th minute in favour of Niccolò Pisilli. Wesley was rated 6.5 to 7 and was replaced at the 60th minute by Nahuel Molina. Malen's performance drew praise with an 8 from Gazzetta, Messaggero and Tempo, and 8.5 from Corriere. Soulé was marked 6.5 to 7.5 and was substituted at the 60th minute for Mora, who received 6.5 to 7. Paulo Dybala earned 6.5 to 7.5 before departing at the 84th minute for Marten de Roon. Gasperini received ratings of 7.5 to 8 for his management.

Roma have opened the 2026–27 season with eight goals scored, none conceded, and six points from two matches against Fiorentina and Lecce. While cautioning against drawing sweeping conclusions from early fixtures, the article notes that Roma's performance at Lecce—where they dominated to such a degree that the home crowd applauded their own side's rare attacking moments in the second half—suggested a squad capable of imposing superiority without prolonging matches unnecessarily. The display drew comparison to Atalanta under Gasperini at their peak, when opponents were overwhelmed from the opening whistle. Donyell Malen's availability from the start of the season represents a significant shift. He joined Roma in January 2025 and immediately catalysed an impressive climbing run that secured Champions League qualification; having him from matchday one means the attack can shift the balance immediately. Paulo Dybala, though not as scintillating at Lecce as he had been against Fiorentina, showed he is physically well and maintained quality and sharpness throughout almost the entire match—a condition that elevates the whole team when sustained. The pairing of Malen and Dybala together is described as a dream coupling, though relying on both at peak fitness for an entire season would be unrealistic. Emanuele Lulli has emerged as an unexpected resource. After impressing against Fiorentina, he delivered another commanding display at Lecce and is now a full first-team option rather than merely covering an emergency; he tackles physical challenges with composure and shows surprising naturalness at this level. Rodrigo Mora scored for the first time in Roma colours. Gasperini continues to press the club and the Friedkins for a longer, more competitive squad capable of handling both Serie A and Champions League without depending entirely on his best players. An imbalance persists in the wide positions—Roma have largely right-footed full-backs and lack a genuine left-sided winger, a gap Gasperini could solve with the right signing. The article notes that sterner tests will arrive soon and will determine Roma's genuine competitiveness against the strongest opponents. However, avoiding premature judgment is not the same as ignoring what is happening: this Roma is stronger, more complete, more physical, and displays a different self-awareness. Gasperini's final transfer window deadline remains open, and what it delivers will shape the campaign ahead.

Roma radio stations debated the feasibility and wisdom of selling midfielder Manu Koné to Chelsea on transfer deadline day, with commentators overwhelmingly opposed to any sale at this stage of the window. Speculation about contact between Roma and Chelsea for Koné dominated the airwaves hours before the 1 September market close, prompting strong reactions from studio hosts and ex-players. Checco Oddo Casano said: "If Koné is sold, it will only be by the owner's will. Gasperini has been clear. Only they can decide whether to sell a player or not. But today Koné is not sold, not even for €80 million. Koné is not sold 10 hours before the market closes — you would not have time to go and get two players who improve your squad. So if you sell Koné today it is total madness. I don't care about the balance sheet and Financial Fair Play — today I reason as a fan. You had three months to sort the balance sheet. If you were in deep water you sold Svilar on 30 June for €40 million and took what came your way. If Roma today sells Koné it is a disgrace — you don't do it on 1 September. You risk destroying a squad that seems to have found the quality leap you couldn't manage. It would be a tsunami, an atomic bomb." Gianluca Piacentini raised an alternative: "If you have €35 million in cash to invest for Leweling, why can't you redirect it at another target? You could go to Lyon and tell them: 'Instead of €5 plus €35, I'll give you €35 plus €5 for Fofana.' You can do something like that." Lorenzo Pes explained that German striker Leweling had withdrawn from the move due to pressure: "It seems it was a pressure problem — he didn't feel ready to make a jump like that. Roma was left reeling by this step back. Playing Champions League and aiming for certain objectives is something the player still doesn't feel ready to do." Tiziano Moroni warned of Roma's vulnerability to big offers: "The fear is that Roma cannot say no to certain offers. If Chelsea offers you €60 million, then go tell them no." Francesca Ferrazza opposed any Koné departure in exchange for attacker Gittens, saying: "You must chain him to Trigoria — if you had sold him in June it was one thing, but sacrificing Koné on 1 September to get an attacker now, absolutely not."

Roma hammered Lecce 4–0 to claim three points in a one-sided fixture, with Donyell Malen producing a standout performance. Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net. Emanuele Lulli delivered a strong display in defence, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as an unexpected highlight after being drafted in at short notice due to Evan N'Dicka's absence. Gasperini deployed Roma in a 3–4–1–2 formation. Ghilardi's emergency shift proved effective, earning him marks of 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport, 6.5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 7 from Messaggero, and 7 from Tempo. Mile Svilar received ratings ranging from 6.5 to 7 across the four newspapers. Gianluca Mancini was rated between 6 and 7, while Mario Hermoso earned 6 to 7.5 depending on the outlet. In midfield, Bryan Cristante was graded 6.5 to 8, with Corriere awarding him the highest mark. Manu Koné received 6.5 to 7.5 before being withdrawn at the 67th minute in favour of Niccolò Pisilli. Wesley was rated 6.5 to 7 and was replaced at the 60th minute by Nahuel Molina. Malen's performance drew praise with an 8 from Gazzetta, Messaggero and Tempo, and 8.5 from Corriere. Soulé was marked 6.5 to 7.5 and was substituted at the 60th minute for Mora, who received 6.5 to 7. Paulo Dybala earned 6.5 to 7.5 before departing at the 84th minute for Marten de Roon. Gasperini received ratings of 7.5 to 8 for his management.

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.