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Lecce vs Roma: Dybala and Malen certain, Soulé in doubt
·31 August 2026·1h ago

Lecce vs Roma: Dybala and Malen certain, Soulé in doubt

Source: Forza Roma

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.

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Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Roma travel to Lecce on 31 August seeking a second consecutive Serie A victory after their opening win against Fiorentina. Manager Gasperini will deploy Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in attack, with the pair in excellent form and their partnership now a settled tactical feature. Both outlets confirm this attacking axis, with Malen positioned to potentially achieve a significant milestone by scoring in both opening matches—a feat last accomplished by Vincenzo Montella. The defence remains unchanged, featuring Gianluca Mancini alongside Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in a three-man backline.

Selection uncertainty surrounds the right-back position, where a competition exists between Emanuele Lulli and Nahuel Molina, though most outlets project Lulli as the likely starter. The attacking midfield role behind the striker presents another choice, with Rodrigo Mora appearing assured of a starting role according to most reports. However, Tuttosport diverges from the consensus, fielding Matías Soulé alongside Dybala in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Malen as the sole striker, while other outlets retain Mora in the number 10 role. Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné will anchor the midfield, with Wesley on the left. Gasperini has confirmed Soulé's involvement despite ongoing transfer speculation, while recent signing De Roon is available from the bench for his Roma debut.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Dopo la vittoria nella prima giornata contro la Fiorentina, Gasperini parte dalla certezza in attacco: la coppia Dybala-Malen. La difesa intoccabile rimane con gli uomini di fiducia e Mancini a guidare Ndicka ed Hermoso. Il dubbio è sull'esterno di centrocampo con il ballottaggio tra Lulli e Molina…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma

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