Lecce v Roma: Lulli and Molina battle for right-back spot

Roma face Lecce at the Via del Mare at 18:30 in Serie A's second matchday, seeking to build on a strong opening victory against Fiorentina and maintain top spot before the transfer window closes. The mood at Trigoria has improved markedly following the arrival of two significant reinforcements: Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon. The Dutch midfielder's swift acquisition from Atalanta enabled the sale of Neil El Aynaoui and brought the physicality and personality Gasperini explicitly requested to complete the squad. Gasperini is pleased with a more solid team but knows the final hours of the transfer market will be decisive. The coach hopes to add one more reinforcement on the left flank—either a defender or an attacking winger. He has praised young squad member Emanuele Lulli, who is responding well, but acknowledges the player cannot yet carry such responsibility alone. Regarding Matías Soulé, Gasperini stated he has received no official offers for the Argentine and will continue to field him regularly, despite reports and activity surrounding his future. Roma now focus on the pitch with a tricky test awaiting against Di Francesco's side, aiming to preserve their perfect record ahead of the transfer deadline.

Roma travel to Lecce tonight at 18:30 for the second Serie A matchday, seeking to build on their 4-0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina and maintain their perfect record. Gasperini's side will be bolstered by two new arrivals: Leonardo Balerdi, brought in for the bench, and Marten de Roon, officially confirmed yesterday evening and immediately integrated into the travelling squad. Gasperini described both as "captains", emphasising that their arrival adds physicality, experience and personality to a squad facing a long season. The coach defended his team's opening performance in a press conference yesterday, insisting that despite Fiorentina's subsequent 3-0 home defeat to Frosinone, Roma's display at the Olimpico was "a proof of absolute value for intensity, quality and solidity". He intends to field a very similar starting XI at the Via del Mare. Rodrigo Mora continues to impress and is on track to start again in attack, while the main tactical question centres on the right flank: Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina remain in contention, with Lulli having made strong use of his opening opportunity while Molina gradually recovers his best condition. Matías Soulé also remains an option as a right-sided midfielder, a possibility Gasperini is considering but which appears to be a contingency rather than the first choice. Lecce arrive with momentum from their own opening win and will look to exploit home advantage under Eusebio Di Francesco. Roma will need rhythm, aggression and concentration to maintain their intensity; Gasperini wants a team capable of imposing its football again and confirming the mental and physical solidity shown against Fiorentina. A second consecutive victory would allow Roma to approach an increasingly demanding fixture list with genuine confidence.

Roma travel to Lecce for their second Serie A fixture of the season on 31 August, with kickoff at 18:30 at Stadio Via del Mare. Gasperini's team aim to secure another victory and maintain top spot in the table after their opening performance against Fiorentina. The manager has requested his squad replicate that display while preparing for the intensity and atmosphere they will face in a competitive away match. Gasperini will again rely on the Dybala–Malen partnership in attack, according to reports, with the pair in excellent form and their understanding now a settled feature. Malen has a chance to achieve a notable milestone today: scoring at least four goals in the opening two matches, matching the feat achieved by Vincenzo Montella. Despite ongoing transfer speculation, Soulé will play regularly; Gasperini has confirmed the player's involvement and indicated he is ready to contribute in a demanding but crucial fixture for Roma's season. Two selection questions remain unresolved ahead of the match. A competition exists between Lulli and Molina for the right-back position, while the midfield—specifically the role behind the striker—is still being evaluated, with Mora under consideration. The squad list is otherwise settled for what promises to be a significant test of Roma's title credentials.

Roma travel to Lecce for their second Serie A fixture of the season on 31 August, with kickoff at 18:30 at Stadio Via del Mare. Gasperini's team aim to secure another victory and maintain top spot in the table after their opening performance against Fiorentina. The manager has requested his squad replicate that display while preparing for the intensity and atmosphere they will face in a competitive away match. Gasperini will again rely on the Dybala–Malen partnership in attack, according to reports, with the pair in excellent form and their understanding now a settled feature. Malen has a chance to achieve a notable milestone today: scoring at least four goals in the opening two matches, matching the feat achieved by Vincenzo Montella. Despite ongoing transfer speculation, Soulé will play regularly; Gasperini has confirmed the player's involvement and indicated he is ready to contribute in a demanding but crucial fixture for Roma's season. Two selection questions remain unresolved ahead of the match. A competition exists between Lulli and Molina for the right-back position, while the midfield—specifically the role behind the striker—is still being evaluated, with Mora under consideration. The squad list is otherwise settled for what promises to be a significant test of Roma's title credentials.

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to lead Roma's attack in the coming fixture after Gasperini's side won their opening match against Fiorentina. The defence remains unchanged, with Gianluca Mancini leading Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, while the right-sided midfield spot is in contention between Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina. Rodrigo Mora appears assured of a starting role in the attacking midfield position, though Matías Soulé—who has been at the centre of transfer speculation—offers an alternative. De Roon joined the squad today and will be available from the bench for his Roma debut. The Italian newspapers project five likely lineups in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with most backing Lulli at right-back over Molina, though La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport diverge from the consensus. Tuttosport fields Soulé in a 3-4-2-1 shape, pairing him with Dybala ahead of Malen, while the other four outlets retain Mora in the number 10 role with Dybala and Malen as the primary attacking pair. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné remain central midfield constants, with Wesley deployed on the left.

Roma are pursuing an attacking winger in the final hours of the summer transfer window, with Tony D'Amico overseeing a three-way contest between Luiz Henrique, Jamie Leweling and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has approved all three profiles, but the club must decide which deal offers the best chance of completion before the 1 September deadline. Luiz Henrique remains the closest to joining. Roma have constructed the operation with Zenit Saint Petersburg and reportedly reached an agreement with both the Russian club and the Brazilian player on a loan deal worth approximately €5 million with a purchase option set at €30 million. However, Botafogo are pressing hard to bring the player back to Brazil, though this scenario has not been confirmed as widely as other reconstructions of the talks. Roma continue to work in parallel on Jamie Leweling from Stuttgart. The club's initial proposal—approximately €5 million for the loan plus €35 million for a permanent transfer—was deemed insufficient. Stuttgart value the German international much higher, with demands reaching around €50 million. Leweling appeals for his versatility: he can play as an attacking winger but also operate as a full-back, addressing two squad needs. On Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Roma are keeping dialogue open with Chelsea in hope that in the final market hours the Blues may allow a loan with a purchase option potentially convertible to an obligation should certain conditions be met. This opening has not yet arrived, but Trigoria have not closed the door. Matías Soulé remains in the background. No Premier League offer substantial enough to trigger his departure has arrived yet, but the English market could still move in the final hours. Should a satisfactory proposal arrive and Soulé depart, the scenario would change again: Roma could pursue two attacking signings instead of one. Dybala, Malen, Castro, El Aynaoui and other squad members are unaffected by this late uncertainty.

Roma travel to Lecce for their second Serie A fixture of the season on 31 August, with kickoff at 18:30 at Stadio Via del Mare. Gasperini's team aim to secure another victory and maintain top spot in the table after their opening performance against Fiorentina. The manager has requested his squad replicate that display while preparing for the intensity and atmosphere they will face in a competitive away match. Gasperini will again rely on the Dybala–Malen partnership in attack, according to reports, with the pair in excellent form and their understanding now a settled feature. Malen has a chance to achieve a notable milestone today: scoring at least four goals in the opening two matches, matching the feat achieved by Vincenzo Montella. Despite ongoing transfer speculation, Soulé will play regularly; Gasperini has confirmed the player's involvement and indicated he is ready to contribute in a demanding but crucial fixture for Roma's season. Two selection questions remain unresolved ahead of the match. A competition exists between Lulli and Molina for the right-back position, while the midfield—specifically the role behind the striker—is still being evaluated, with Mora under consideration. The squad list is otherwise settled for what promises to be a significant test of Roma's title credentials.

Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen are set to lead Roma's attack in the coming fixture after Gasperini's side won their opening match against Fiorentina. The defence remains unchanged, with Gianluca Mancini leading Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso, while the right-sided midfield spot is in contention between Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina. Rodrigo Mora appears assured of a starting role in the attacking midfield position, though Matías Soulé—who has been at the centre of transfer speculation—offers an alternative. De Roon joined the squad today and will be available from the bench for his Roma debut. The Italian newspapers project five likely lineups in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with most backing Lulli at right-back over Molina, though La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport diverge from the consensus. Tuttosport fields Soulé in a 3-4-2-1 shape, pairing him with Dybala ahead of Malen, while the other four outlets retain Mora in the number 10 role with Dybala and Malen as the primary attacking pair. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné remain central midfield constants, with Wesley deployed on the left.

Roma are pursuing an attacking winger in the final hours of the summer transfer window, with Tony D'Amico overseeing a three-way contest between Luiz Henrique, Jamie Leweling and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has approved all three profiles, but the club must decide which deal offers the best chance of completion before the 1 September deadline. Luiz Henrique remains the closest to joining. Roma have constructed the operation with Zenit Saint Petersburg and reportedly reached an agreement with both the Russian club and the Brazilian player on a loan deal worth approximately €5 million with a purchase option set at €30 million. However, Botafogo are pressing hard to bring the player back to Brazil, though this scenario has not been confirmed as widely as other reconstructions of the talks. Roma continue to work in parallel on Jamie Leweling from Stuttgart. The club's initial proposal—approximately €5 million for the loan plus €35 million for a permanent transfer—was deemed insufficient. Stuttgart value the German international much higher, with demands reaching around €50 million. Leweling appeals for his versatility: he can play as an attacking winger but also operate as a full-back, addressing two squad needs. On Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Roma are keeping dialogue open with Chelsea in hope that in the final market hours the Blues may allow a loan with a purchase option potentially convertible to an obligation should certain conditions be met. This opening has not yet arrived, but Trigoria have not closed the door. Matías Soulé remains in the background. No Premier League offer substantial enough to trigger his departure has arrived yet, but the English market could still move in the final hours. Should a satisfactory proposal arrive and Soulé depart, the scenario would change again: Roma could pursue two attacking signings instead of one. Dybala, Malen, Castro, El Aynaoui and other squad members are unaffected by this late uncertainty.

Roma face Lecce at the Via del Mare at 18:30 in Serie A's second matchday, seeking to build on a strong opening victory against Fiorentina and maintain top spot before the transfer window closes. The mood at Trigoria has improved markedly following the arrival of two significant reinforcements: Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon. The Dutch midfielder's swift acquisition from Atalanta enabled the sale of Neil El Aynaoui and brought the physicality and personality Gasperini explicitly requested to complete the squad. Gasperini is pleased with a more solid team but knows the final hours of the transfer market will be decisive. The coach hopes to add one more reinforcement on the left flank—either a defender or an attacking winger. He has praised young squad member Emanuele Lulli, who is responding well, but acknowledges the player cannot yet carry such responsibility alone. Regarding Matías Soulé, Gasperini stated he has received no official offers for the Argentine and will continue to field him regularly, despite reports and activity surrounding his future. Roma now focus on the pitch with a tricky test awaiting against Di Francesco's side, aiming to preserve their perfect record ahead of the transfer deadline.

Roma travel to Lecce tonight at 18:30 for the second Serie A matchday, seeking to build on their 4-0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina and maintain their perfect record. Gasperini's side will be bolstered by two new arrivals: Leonardo Balerdi, brought in for the bench, and Marten de Roon, officially confirmed yesterday evening and immediately integrated into the travelling squad. Gasperini described both as "captains", emphasising that their arrival adds physicality, experience and personality to a squad facing a long season. The coach defended his team's opening performance in a press conference yesterday, insisting that despite Fiorentina's subsequent 3-0 home defeat to Frosinone, Roma's display at the Olimpico was "a proof of absolute value for intensity, quality and solidity". He intends to field a very similar starting XI at the Via del Mare. Rodrigo Mora continues to impress and is on track to start again in attack, while the main tactical question centres on the right flank: Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina remain in contention, with Lulli having made strong use of his opening opportunity while Molina gradually recovers his best condition. Matías Soulé also remains an option as a right-sided midfielder, a possibility Gasperini is considering but which appears to be a contingency rather than the first choice. Lecce arrive with momentum from their own opening win and will look to exploit home advantage under Eusebio Di Francesco. Roma will need rhythm, aggression and concentration to maintain their intensity; Gasperini wants a team capable of imposing its football again and confirming the mental and physical solidity shown against Fiorentina. A second consecutive victory would allow Roma to approach an increasingly demanding fixture list with genuine confidence.

Roma travel to Lecce for their second Serie A fixture of the season on 31 August, with kickoff at 18:30 at Stadio Via del Mare. Gasperini's team aim to secure another victory and maintain top spot in the table after their opening performance against Fiorentina. The manager has requested his squad replicate that display while preparing for the intensity and atmosphere they will face in a competitive away match. Gasperini will again rely on the Dybala–Malen partnership in attack, according to reports, with the pair in excellent form and their understanding now a settled feature. Malen has a chance to achieve a notable milestone today: scoring at least four goals in the opening two matches, matching the feat achieved by Vincenzo Montella. Despite ongoing transfer speculation, Soulé will play regularly; Gasperini has confirmed the player's involvement and indicated he is ready to contribute in a demanding but crucial fixture for Roma's season. Two selection questions remain unresolved ahead of the match. A competition exists between Lulli and Molina for the right-back position, while the midfield—specifically the role behind the striker—is still being evaluated, with Mora under consideration. The squad list is otherwise settled for what promises to be a significant test of Roma's title credentials.