Lecce prepare for Roma fixture with three players sidelined

Rome's radio pundits weighed in on Roma's immediate prospects and transfer strategy ahead of the Lecce fixture. Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo assessed the club's summer window and recent signings, highlighting the distinction between addressing the manager's specific requirements and broader squad building. "The Roma made a fairly precise choice a few months ago: it chose the line of the manager and all subsequent decisions are dictated by this, including those in the market," Pes said. "If I look at what the manager needs, the De Roon operation makes sense, because El Aynaoui hasn't convinced Gasperini. I want to see how De Roon's integration into Roma's dressing room goes. I think Balerdi is the best operation of this transfer market. I believe Gasperini will confirm the same eleven from Fiorentina." Simone Valdarchi of Radio Manà Manà (90.9) flagged Lecce's tactical threat despite Roma's technical advantage. "It's a match full of pitfalls, despite Roma's clear technical superiority," he said. "Di Francesco is a good coach, and there's a possibility Lecce will line up with three at the back. Given the calendar, it's essential to take the three points now." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio Mattino (104.5) backed Roma to win, citing the form of Malen and Dybala and the quality gap between the sides. "De Roon can give you a lot in midfield," Orsi added.

Roma face Lecce at Stadio Via del Mare on 31 August at 18:30 in a Serie A fixture. Four major Italian newspapers predict a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, and Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as the attacking pair. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected in midfield, with Wesley operating as a full-back. The main variance in predicted lineups centres on one defensive position. Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, Il Tempo and Corriere della Sera all expect Emanuele Lulli at left-back, while Gazzetta dello Sport forecasts Nahuel Molina in that role. All four outlets agree on the remainder of the eleven, including Rodrigo Mora as the number 10 behind the two forwards.

Roma travel to Lecce's Via del Mare stadium on 31 August at 18:30 for the second round of Serie A fixtures, looking to build on a convincing 4–0 victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has few selection doubts, with Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen leading the attack. The main uncertainty lies at right-back, where Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina are competing for the starting role. Gasperini will also be able to call on two new signings, Balerdi and De Roon. Multiple Italian outlets have published predicted lineups for the fixture. Most expect a 3–4–1–2 formation, with Roma's starting XI likely to feature Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in midfield, Wesley at left-back, Rodrigo Mora in an attacking midfield role, and Dybala and Malen in the forward line. The key variable remains the right-back position, with some outlets favouring Molina and others backing Lulli for the role.