Lecce-Roma cleared to proceed at Via del Mare

Roma and Fiorentina meet in what promises to be the most compelling fixture of Serie A's opening day on 24 August 2026. The pair arrive on vastly different trajectories: Roma built momentum through the closing stages of last season under Gasperini, while Fiorentina struggled with inconsistency. Both clubs strengthened in the summer transfer window with genuine ambitions of growth. Gasperini requested reinforcements and secured several additions, while Fiorentina's manager Grosso has a squad of considerable quality following an excellent market. The teams are ready to deliver an entertaining spectacle, underpinned by established stars—Malen and Kean chief among them—alongside fresh faces making their debuts.

Emanuele Lulli has been named in Gian Piero Gasperini's squad for Roma's Serie A season opener, marking his first official top-flight call-up of the 2026–27 campaign. The 20-year-old from Palestrina has progressed through Roma's youth ranks and now joins the group for the club's league debut under the new manager. Lulli's advancement comes after a period of development in Roma's academy system. The article notes that last season he received multiple bench appearances for other Serie A clubs on loan, including stints with Atalanta, Lecce and Milan. His inclusion in Gasperini's initial squad represents a step forward in his pathway to senior football and offers him the chance to observe the team's campaign up close from a position of first-team involvement. Palestrina's Municipal Administration issued a public message celebrating Lulli's achievement. The council stated: "Best wishes to Emanuele Lulli, young footballer of Palestrina, for his first official Serie A call-up with AS Roma. An important milestone, the fruit of commitment, sacrifice and passion, which represents a great satisfaction for Emanuele, for his family and for our entire community." The municipality added: "The Municipal Administration and the City of Palestrina offer him sincere congratulations for this first important step and wish him to continue his journey with determination and reach increasingly prestigious milestones."

Roma's fixture at Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 will take place as scheduled at Stadio Via del Mare. Uncertainty had surrounded the venue's availability in recent days following renovation works ahead of the Mediterranean Games, which raised questions about whether the stadium met Serie A safety standards. A prefectural meeting and subsequent inspection concluded positively today, clearing the way for the match to go ahead. Lecce activated measures to secure building sites on the stadium grounds that could have posed a risk to supporters.