Lecce vs Roma: predicted lineups

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.

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'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.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his squad for Roma's Serie A matchday 2 fixture against Lecce. Neil El Aynaoui and Robinio Vaz are absent from the squad list, both players close to departing the club. Devyne Rensch and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also unavailable through injury. The 24-man squad features goalkeepers Svilar, De Marzi and Gollini. In defence, Gasperini has included Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. Midfield options are Cristante, Koné, Pisilli and Mora, while attack is covered by Castro, Malen, Soulé and Dybala.

Roma have named their travelling squad for the match at Lecce following their home victory against Fiorentina. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has included new signing Leonardo Balerdi in the squad, and De Roon will also depart with the team after receiving official clearance overnight. Devyne Rensch remains unavailable but is expected to return to the manager's disposal on Tuesday. Lorenzo Pellegrini is absent, as are Jan Ziółkowski and Robinio Vaz due to transfer matters. The squad list shows Gasperini has named three goalkeepers: Mile Svilar, Giorgio De Marzi and Pierluigi Gollini. In defence, the group includes Konstantinos Koulierakis, Evan N'Dicka, Nahuel Molina, Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Emanuele Lulli and Daniele Ghilardi. The midfield contingent comprises Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, Rodrigo Mora and De Roon. Up front, Roma have Santiago Castro, Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala available.

Marten De Roon was officially announced as a Roma signing on 30 August, becoming the club's sixth summer reinforcement under Gian Piero Gasperini following the arrival of Leonardo Balerdi. The Dutch midfielder spoke to the club's official media, addressing his transfer, his long-standing relationship with Gasperini, and a previous social media episode that drew criticism from Roma supporters. De Roon spent nine years under Gasperini at his previous club, where he served as captain. "I've played nine years with him, we achieved fantastic results. I was his captain, he took me to a very high level. I thank him for that," De Roon said. "We spoke a day ago, we did this move quickly and he gave me the opportunity to come here. The club also wanted me, and that's not guaranteed: I thank everyone." On joining Roma, he added: "I'm super happy, it's beautiful. A transfer like this, to a big club, is special. I've seen the training ground: it's the highest level. I'm very keen to start." Regarding a controversial social media post from his time as an opponent of Roma, De Roon apologised to the fanbase. "On that occasion I think I crossed the line," he said. "There's an explanation: it sounds like an excuse, but it's the only time I didn't authorise the post, because I had an interview after the match. I'm sorry, because I went too far." He stressed his commitment to proving himself on the pitch: "I want to demonstrate on the field who I am: someone who goes beyond, who gives everything for the shirt. Now I have to repay this trust with actions." De Roon highlighted the strength of Roma's squad, mentioning Bryan Cristante, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini, and noted the presence of fellow Dutch players Donyell Malen and Devyne Rensch. On playing at the Olimpico, he said: "The stadium is something special: every time I've played here I've been impressed, always full and with very passionate fans. Bringing Champions League to the Olimpico against strong teams will give us an amazing atmosphere."

Marten de Roon has given his first interview as a Roma player, ahead of the club's fixture against Lecce today. The Dutch midfielder is ready to begin work under Gasperini, with whom he spent nine years at Atalanta and won multiple trophies. On joining Roma, de Roon said: "I'm super happy, it's something very beautiful. Roma is a big club, the training ground is top level and I'm very keen to get started." He praised Gasperini's influence: "He brought me to the top, I played nine years with him and we achieved fantastic results. I have a special relationship with him, I was his captain and always played. He brought me to a high level and I thank him for it. We spoke yesterday and he gave me this opportunity and I thank him for that too. The club wanted me and that's not taken for granted. I'm super happy." De Roon addressed his social media activity criticising Roma before his arrival. "I play around on social media, but on that occasion I overstepped the mark but I want to explain. But I didn't authorise that post against the Giallorossi to be published—it sounds like a lie but it's true. I'm very sorry." He added that he intends to prove himself on the pitch: "I want to show on the field that I'm someone who goes beyond the limit. I'll give everything for the shirt and I want to repay the faith with actions." On Roma's squad, de Roon noted the strength of the group and his connections within it: "There are players like Cristante, Dybala, Mancini. I want to help because I know Gasperini's system well. Then there are two Dutch players: Malen and Rensch. I want to play my part and I've joined a very strong squad." He looked forward to playing at the Olimpico: "Super happy to be here, I can't wait to play in front of you at the Olimpico. I hope to be welcomed the right way. Daje Roma."

Marten de Roon gave his first interview as a Roma player on 31 August 2026, presenting himself to supporters and discussing his move to the club. Speaking to the official Roma channels, de Roon expressed his contentment with the transfer to what he described as a great society, highlighting the quality of the training centre and his eagerness to begin. He credited head coach Gian Piero Gasperini with developing him during nine years under his management at a previous club, where de Roon served as captain. "He brought me up, we achieved fantastic results together," de Roon said. "I had a very special relationship with him—I always played, and at one point I was his captain. He took us, but especially me, to a high level and I'm very grateful for that. He also called me almost a day ago and we made a quick move: he gave me this opportunity to come here and for that I thank him so much. And then certainly the club and the society too, who wanted me. It's not at all taken for granted and I'm really super happy." De Roon addressed his history of scoring against Roma and occasional social media criticism of the club during his previous career. He acknowledged that he had crossed a line with past posts but provided context for his conduct. "I'm someone who always plays around on social media and always pushes the limits a bit," he explained. "On that occasion I think I overstepped the limit a bit. But there's also an explanation: I manage my social media with two friends. It's the only time—it might sound like a lie, but it's the only time I didn't authorize a post, because I had many interviews after the match. But on that occasion I'm sorry, because I overstepped the limit." Looking ahead to his Roma career, de Roon expressed his ambition to demonstrate his commitment on the pitch. "The social media is a separate thing," he said. "I want to show on the pitch that I'm someone who goes beyond the limit, who gives everything for the shirt. Now I have to repay this trust with facts." He discussed Roma's return to the UEFA Champions League at the Stadio Olimpico, describing the stadium as very special and noting its warm atmosphere. "Every time I've played here I've been very impressed—always full of very warm fans," de Roon said. "Bringing the Champions League back to the Olimpico against very, very strong and beautiful teams will, in my opinion, create a crazy atmosphere. As Roma we must enjoy these evenings and hope, or at least try, to achieve great results." De Roon reflected on the experience already present in Roma's squad, naming Bryan Cristante as someone he knows and who possesses considerable experience, alongside Paulo Dybala, Gianluca Mancini, and others who have been at the club for years. He also noted the presence of fellow Dutch players Donyell Malen and Devyne Rensch. "I'm one who wants to give a hand, especially because I know the manager's style of play very well," he said. "Inside the dressing room I want to play my part, but I've entered a team and a squad that is already very strong." In a final message to supporters, de Roon said: "I'm super happy to be here. I can't wait to play at the Olimpico in front of you, because they told me it's very special and I hope you welcome me in the right way. Daje Roma."

Roma are resisting all attempts to prise Niccolò Pisilli away from the club during the final days of the transfer window. The 21-year-old midfielder is considered central to the project, and the club will only entertain offers exceeding €60 million. Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle have registered interest, as have Serie A rivals Juventus, Inter and Milan, but Pisilli wants to stay in Rome. The club continue to pursue attacking reinforcements as the window approaches its conclusion today. Jamie Leweling remains a leading target: Stuttgart rejected Roma's opening bid of €5 million on loan plus a €35 million obligation to buy, with the Germans valuing the 25-year-old at €50–55 million. Roma appreciate Leweling's versatility to play both as an outside forward and across the full width of the pitch. Luiz Henrique, the 25-year-old Brazilian, has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in the final push. Roma have raised their proposal to €5 million for a loan and €30 million for the purchase, which would become mandatory under certain conditions, though some sources report the overall deal could be structured around €35 million. Botafogo has resurfaced as a rival, though reports conflict over whether Henrique is still weighing his options or convinced of a Roma move. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens remains Gasperini's preferred profile on technical grounds, but Chelsea are making the operation difficult. Roma hope the London club will open to a loan, while Chelsea prefer an outright sale and value the 22-year-old English player at approximately €50 million. Roma have kept negotiations open through the final hours alongside the Luiz Henrique and Leweling pursuits. Matías Soulé's future could prove a key trigger for the window's endgame. The 23-year-old Argentine has attracted interest from Fulham, Newcastle and Sunderland, though no decisive offer has yet arrived. Roma value him at around €40 million, with the possibility of a slight reduction in the closing rush. Gasperini has suggested Soulé could stay, but a substantial proposal could prompt Roma to sell and reinvest in two new attacking wide players. Elsewhere, Jan Ziółkowski's loan move to Monza is all but complete: the 21-year-old Polish defender is expected to arrive in the coming hours to undergo medical examinations and finalise the formalities, with Monza seeking to strengthen their defence after difficult opening fixtures. Evan N'Dicka remains valued as an important Roma squad member despite speculation linking him to Real Madrid; the Spanish club have reportedly evaluated the 27-year-old centre-back between €30 and €35 million, though any pursuit is contingent on departures from the Bernabéu.

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.

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.