Gasperini warns of unusual heat ahead of Lecce clash, demands strong performance

Mile Svilar spoke to DAZN ahead of Roma's match against Lecce, emphasising the need to build on early defensive improvements. The goalkeeper said: "We must always seek continuity. Against Fiorentina was only the first match. It's better to start this way but we must try to seek continuity for many matches starting from today." Svilar acknowledged the difficulty of playing at Lecce, particularly given the warm conditions expected. "Certainly, we've come here many times and I know it's a difficult pitch and a hot atmosphere. Today we must impose our game and take home the three points," he said. When asked about the Roma team taking shape, Svilar stressed the importance of squad unity: "A Roma that has been building since last year, a group that has been together for years. This is always positive."

Roma return to the Champions League after seven years and will face two significant connections from their past. José Mourinho arrives with Real Madrid, while Davide Ancelotti—son of Carlo and current Lille manager—will lead his side to the Stadio Olimpico on 27 January 2027, a venue deeply meaningful to him on personal and family grounds. Ancelotti spoke to Radio Anch'io Sport on Rai Radio 1 about his profound link to the capital. His mother lived there for many years, and his father served as Roma captain. He also recalled his sole experience as head coach at the Olimpico, when he took charge of Napoli during one of the rare occasions his father was suspended. The stadium holds special significance for the Ancelotti family. "Roma is a city very dear to us," he said. "It is a special stadium and it will be very important for us. Roma is the last of the difficult away fixtures, but we have a young squad and we want to qualify."

Marten De Roon presented himself officially to Roma on 31 August 2026, expressing delight at joining the club. "I'm super happy, it's really something very beautiful. The transfer to a great society, I saw the sports centre and it's high level and I have so much desire to start," De Roon said at his unveiling. De Roon spent nine years under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at his previous club, where he regularly started and served as captain. He credited Gasperini with developing both him and the squad to a high standard. "When we spoke a few days ago he made a big effort and gave me this opportunity to come here, and for that I thank him so much. I also thank the club and the society that wanted me: it's not at all obvious, I'm really super happy," De Roon said. He acknowledged Roma's current strength, noting that "the squad is there, it's very strong. There are guys like Bryan Cristante, who I know, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini, who have played here for many years. I want to give a hand, I know Gasperini's game very well." On a previous social media post that appeared to target Roma, De Roon clarified his approach: "I'm someone who always jokes on social media, I always try to push the limit. On that occasion I think I overstepped the limit. There's an explanation though: with two friends I manage my social media. It was the only time – it seems like a lie but it's true – where I didn't authorise the post, because I had many interviews after the match. I'm sorry because I overstepped the limit." He expressed eagerness to play at the Olimpico, describing the stadium as "something very special" and noting that Roma's return to Champions League football creates "a crazy environment." De Roon sent a message to Roma supporters: "I'm super happy to be here. I can't wait to play at the Olimpico in front of you, because I realise it's a very special environment. I hope you welcome me in the right way. Forza Roma!"

Roma line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation for their second Serie A match of the season at Lecce on Monday, 31 August, with Matías Soulé replacing Rodrigo Mora in attack as the only change from their opening-day win over Fiorentina. The side shows Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Emanuele Lulli and Bryan Cristante in midfield with Manu Koné, Wesley providing width, Soulé in the No. 10 role and Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as forwards. Gian Piero Gasperini keeps the bulk of the XI unchanged, with Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon among those on the bench. Lecce, managed by Di Francesco, set out in a 4-3-3 with Falcone in goal and deploy Ndaba, Gaspar, Siebert and Veiga across their back four.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his team for Roma's second Serie A match of the season at Lecce. The head coach persists with a 3-4-2-1 formation, deploying Donyell Malen as the central attacking reference supported by the Argentine pair of Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé operating behind him. The XI maintains continuity in defence and midfield. Mile Svilar starts in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Emanuele Lulli and Wesley occupy the wing-back positions, with Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante in the centre of the pitch. Gasperini's selection prioritises quality and technical ability in the final third, with Dybala and Soulé tasked with creating space and supply for Malen. Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen. Manager: Gasperini.

Donyell Malen scored twice as Roma won 2–0 away at Lecce on 31 August, maintaining their perfect start to the 2026–27 Serie A season under Gian Piero Gasperini. Malen opened the scoring in the third minute after a Lecce defensive error, then added a second in the 22nd. Roma had begun their campaign with a dominant 4–0 victory over Fiorentina; Lecce came into the match off a 2–0 win at Venezia. Gasperini named an unchanged core from Roma's opening fixture, with Emanuele Lulli preferred to Nahuel Molina at right-back. Daniele Ghilardi started in place of Evan N'Dicka after the defender suffered a problem during the warm-up at the Stadio Via del Mare. Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé and Malen formed the attacking line, while Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Wesley operated in midfield. Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso flanked Ghilardi in defence, with Mile Svilar in goal. Roma dominated the opening stages. A brief chance fell to Soulé in the 12th minute when Koné broke down the right and served him a low ball, but Soulé's shot went too central and Lecce goalkeeper Falcone saved. Malen was booked in the eighth minute for a handball on a Dybala cross as he attempted to score. The match was controlled by Gasperini's side for long periods, with Lecce struggling to mount sustained pressure. Rodrigo Mora, one of Roma's new acquisitions, remained on the bench. Lecce fielded a 5–3–2 formation with Falcone in goal and a five-man defence. Referee Chiffi of Padova oversaw the match, with Di Paolo operating as VAR.