Gasperini warns of unusual heat ahead of Lecce visit

Roma will face more than just Lecce when they travel to the Via del Mare for the second round of Serie A fixtures. Temperatures are expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius with 70% humidity at kickoff, with only a modest improvement forecast over the following two hours as conditions settle around 30 degrees during the match itself. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the challenge before the fixture, expressing concern about the heat. "Abnormal heat, we've been carrying it for a few months now," he said. "We hope that this doesn't come at the expense of our performance and the spectacle for the fans." The contest will double as an exercise in energy management, with extreme temperatures posing a significant tactical consideration for both sides.

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."

Gian Piero Gasperini has warned that unseasonably hot conditions could affect the spectacle of Roma's Serie A fixture at Lecce on 31 August, the second round of the season. The head coach acknowledged that Lecce presents a difficult away fixture, but expressed hope that the heat does not compromise the quality of play or the experience for supporters attending in large numbers. Gasperini highlighted Roma's impressive opening-day display against Fiorentina and the momentum surrounding the club as key assets for Sunday's match. He stressed that another strong performance will be required on an awkward pitch. "It's a characteristic of ours; we started very well against Fiorentina and also benefited from the enthusiasm around us. This is another match on a difficult field for everyone. An excellent performance will be needed," he said. On team selection, Gasperini confirmed that Matías Soulé and Emanuele Lulli, who performed well in pre-season, are ready to feature. He noted that modern football demands depth across a 16-player squad and said players will be deployed based on their current fitness levels given the weather conditions.

Gian Piero Gasperini has warned that unseasonably hot conditions could affect the spectacle of Roma's Serie A fixture at Lecce on 31 August, the second round of the season. The head coach acknowledged that Lecce presents a difficult away fixture, but expressed hope that the heat does not compromise the quality of play or the experience for supporters attending in large numbers. Gasperini highlighted Roma's impressive opening-day display against Fiorentina and the momentum surrounding the club as key assets for Sunday's match. He stressed that another strong performance will be required on an awkward pitch. "It's a characteristic of ours; we started very well against Fiorentina and also benefited from the enthusiasm around us. This is another match on a difficult field for everyone. An excellent performance will be needed," he said. On team selection, Gasperini confirmed that Matías Soulé and Emanuele Lulli, who performed well in pre-season, are ready to feature. He noted that modern football demands depth across a 16-player squad and said players will be deployed based on their current fitness levels given the weather conditions.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledged the challenge of unusual heat conditions before Roma's Serie A visit to Lecce on matchday two, but insisted the team must deliver an excellent display regardless. Lecce has historically proved a difficult ground for all teams, and Gasperini stressed that Roma's response will require their best work. Gasperini highlighted Roma's strong start against Fiorentina in the opening round, attributing early success to the team's characteristic rhythm and the enthusiasm surrounding the club. He indicated that Matías Soulé and Emanuele Lulli will feature in the squad, saying both had performed well in pre-season preparation. On the heat, Gasperini said: "Abnormal heat, we've carried it with us for some months. We hope that this does not harm the performance and the spectacle for the fans, who are numerous." When asked about Roma's weapon against the heat and the pace displayed on matchday one, Gasperini replied: "It is our characteristic. We started very well against Fiorentina, we also took advantage of the enthusiasm around us. This is another match on a difficult pitch for everyone. An excellent performance will be needed." He added: "With these conditions you must rely on those who are particularly fit. Lulli and Soulé had good preparation, everyone is ready. Modern football is played with 16 players."

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.

Roma secured their second consecutive victory in Serie A's second matchday with a goal from Donyell Malen that withstood a VAR check. Referee Chiffi, assisted by VAR official Di Paolo, reviewed the opening goal in the fourth minute and confirmed it was lawful. Paulo Dybala was in a legal position when he touched the ball before Malen capitalised on a fortunate rebound to finish. The match saw Chiffi take charge with Imperiale and Cecconi as assistant referees, Di Bello as fourth official, and Paganessi as assistant VAR. Roma's second consecutive win maintains their strong start to the 2026–27 campaign.

Lecce defender Gaspar has highlighted the attacking threat posed by Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen ahead of his side's fixture against Roma. Speaking to DAZN, Gaspar outlined the defensive approach needed to contain the Roma pair: "Playing well, working it out properly. As a team we have to be careful, the defensive line must play simple and be attentive." Gaspar also reflected on his growing importance to Lecce this season, describing the responsibility as one shared across the squad. "This responsibility is for everyone, we must always do something to follow the objectives," he said. "I don't know if I'm a leader, everyone has to be one and we're on the right track."

Roma travel to Lecce for Serie A's second matchday after successive opening-weekend victories. Both sides won their first fixtures: Lecce beat Venezia, while Roma produced a dominant performance against Fiorentina. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini will deploy the same forward pairing of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen that proved effective in the Florence victory. Rodrigo Mora is in line for another start in midfield. Lecce boss Di Francesco is considering Geubbels from the start despite an underwhelming debut, as both sides seek to maintain their winning momentum in gameweek two.