Lulli and Mora set for starting roles as Roma seek continuity against Lecce

Roma travel to Lecce this afternoon in their first away fixture of the season, carrying momentum from a commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina. Lecce began their campaign with a 2–0 win at Venezia and will provide stiff opposition at the Via del Mare. Gasperini intends to field a largely unchanged side from the Fiorentina match. A contest remains open at right-back between Lulli and Molina, with the younger Roma player favoured for the match. In attack, Mora is the preferred option ahead of Soulé, Dybala and Malen. Roma will line up in a 3–4–2–1 formation: Svilar in goal; Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back; Lulli, Koné, Cristante and Wesley in midfield; Dybala and Mora in support; Malen leading the line. Koulierakis, Molina, Balerdi, Ghilardi, De Roon, Pisilli, Castro and Soulé are among the substitutes. Lecce will adopt a 4–2–3–1 shape under Eusebio Di Francesco: Falcone; Veiga, Tiago Gabriel, Gaspar, Gallo; Coulibaly, Gorter; Pierotti, Ngom, N'Dri; Geubbels. The match kicks off at 16:30, with Chiffi of Padova as referee, assisted by Imperiale and Cecconi. Di Bello is fourth official, Di Paolo on VAR, and Paganessi as assistant VAR.

Serie A has officially confirmed that Roma's fixture against Torino will take place on Monday 14 September at 18:30. The scheduling change follows Roma's Champions League commitment: the club will face Fenerbahce away on Thursday 10 September, meaning they will play the Serie A fourth-round match in the Monday Night slot. The Champions League calendar has reshaped the domestic schedule for this round. Elsewhere in Serie A that weekend, Lazio will host Milan at 18:00 on Saturday, Napoli will play Bologna at 18:00 on Sunday, and Juventus will face Sassuolo at 20:45 on Sunday. Como will also compete on the Monday, having faced Lipsia in the Champions League at home on Thursday.

Roma travel to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 seeking to build on their commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini intends to make minimal changes to the starting eleven that earned that emphatic win, with the principal uncertainty centring on the right-back slot where Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are contending for a starting place. Rodrigo Mora is favoured to retain his position in the attacking line alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, who scored a hat-trick against Fiorentina. Mile Svilar will continue in goal, with the defensive trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso set to remain unchanged in front of him. Wesley will operate at left-back, while Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to continue as the central midfield pairing, despite the latter finishing the Fiorentina match with minor physical discomfort. The attacking system allows the three front players considerable fluidity, with Dybala given freedom to drift between the lines and support Malen as the most advanced referential point. Two recent arrivals—Marten de Roon and Leonardo Balerdi—have been included in the travelling squad for Lecce but are unlikely to start. De Roon, officially confirmed by Roma in recent hours, and Balerdi, newly arrived, have had minimal training time with their teammates and will serve as potential substitutes. Gasperini stated that he considered Matías Soulé fully available for the Lecce fixture, though Mora currently holds the edge for the starting role. The ballottage readings suggest Molina leads Lulli 55–45 per cent, while Mora is favoured 65–35 per cent over Soulé. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch remain unavailable. Roma's tactical setup is expected to mirror the successful pattern from the opening day, with ten positions clearly established and the contest between Molina and Lulli on the right flank representing the main selection dilemma Gasperini faces.

Roma travel to Lecce this afternoon in their first away fixture of the season, carrying momentum from a commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina. Lecce began their campaign with a 2–0 win at Venezia and will provide stiff opposition at the Via del Mare. Gasperini intends to field a largely unchanged side from the Fiorentina match. A contest remains open at right-back between Lulli and Molina, with the younger Roma player favoured for the match. In attack, Mora is the preferred option ahead of Soulé, Dybala and Malen. Roma will line up in a 3–4–2–1 formation: Svilar in goal; Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back; Lulli, Koné, Cristante and Wesley in midfield; Dybala and Mora in support; Malen leading the line. Koulierakis, Molina, Balerdi, Ghilardi, De Roon, Pisilli, Castro and Soulé are among the substitutes. Lecce will adopt a 4–2–3–1 shape under Eusebio Di Francesco: Falcone; Veiga, Tiago Gabriel, Gaspar, Gallo; Coulibaly, Gorter; Pierotti, Ngom, N'Dri; Geubbels. The match kicks off at 16:30, with Chiffi of Padova as referee, assisted by Imperiale and Cecconi. Di Bello is fourth official, Di Paolo on VAR, and Paganessi as assistant VAR.

Roma travel to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 seeking to build on their commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini intends to make minimal changes to the starting eleven that earned that emphatic win, with the principal uncertainty centring on the right-back slot where Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are contending for a starting place. Rodrigo Mora is favoured to retain his position in the attacking line alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, who scored a hat-trick against Fiorentina. Mile Svilar will continue in goal, with the defensive trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso set to remain unchanged in front of him. Wesley will operate at left-back, while Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to continue as the central midfield pairing, despite the latter finishing the Fiorentina match with minor physical discomfort. The attacking system allows the three front players considerable fluidity, with Dybala given freedom to drift between the lines and support Malen as the most advanced referential point. Two recent arrivals—Marten de Roon and Leonardo Balerdi—have been included in the travelling squad for Lecce but are unlikely to start. De Roon, officially confirmed by Roma in recent hours, and Balerdi, newly arrived, have had minimal training time with their teammates and will serve as potential substitutes. Gasperini stated that he considered Matías Soulé fully available for the Lecce fixture, though Mora currently holds the edge for the starting role. The ballottage readings suggest Molina leads Lulli 55–45 per cent, while Mora is favoured 65–35 per cent over Soulé. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch remain unavailable. Roma's tactical setup is expected to mirror the successful pattern from the opening day, with ten positions clearly established and the contest between Molina and Lulli on the right flank representing the main selection dilemma Gasperini faces.

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 this afternoon in their first away fixture of the season, carrying momentum from a commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina. Lecce began their campaign with a 2–0 win at Venezia and will provide stiff opposition at the Via del Mare. Gasperini intends to field a largely unchanged side from the Fiorentina match. A contest remains open at right-back between Lulli and Molina, with the younger Roma player favoured for the match. In attack, Mora is the preferred option ahead of Soulé, Dybala and Malen. Roma will line up in a 3–4–2–1 formation: Svilar in goal; Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back; Lulli, Koné, Cristante and Wesley in midfield; Dybala and Mora in support; Malen leading the line. Koulierakis, Molina, Balerdi, Ghilardi, De Roon, Pisilli, Castro and Soulé are among the substitutes. Lecce will adopt a 4–2–3–1 shape under Eusebio Di Francesco: Falcone; Veiga, Tiago Gabriel, Gaspar, Gallo; Coulibaly, Gorter; Pierotti, Ngom, N'Dri; Geubbels. The match kicks off at 16:30, with Chiffi of Padova as referee, assisted by Imperiale and Cecconi. Di Bello is fourth official, Di Paolo on VAR, and Paganessi as assistant VAR.

Roma travel to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 seeking to build on their commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini intends to make minimal changes to the starting eleven that earned that emphatic win, with the principal uncertainty centring on the right-back slot where Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are contending for a starting place. Rodrigo Mora is favoured to retain his position in the attacking line alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, who scored a hat-trick against Fiorentina. Mile Svilar will continue in goal, with the defensive trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso set to remain unchanged in front of him. Wesley will operate at left-back, while Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to continue as the central midfield pairing, despite the latter finishing the Fiorentina match with minor physical discomfort. The attacking system allows the three front players considerable fluidity, with Dybala given freedom to drift between the lines and support Malen as the most advanced referential point. Two recent arrivals—Marten de Roon and Leonardo Balerdi—have been included in the travelling squad for Lecce but are unlikely to start. De Roon, officially confirmed by Roma in recent hours, and Balerdi, newly arrived, have had minimal training time with their teammates and will serve as potential substitutes. Gasperini stated that he considered Matías Soulé fully available for the Lecce fixture, though Mora currently holds the edge for the starting role. The ballottage readings suggest Molina leads Lulli 55–45 per cent, while Mora is favoured 65–35 per cent over Soulé. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch remain unavailable. Roma's tactical setup is expected to mirror the successful pattern from the opening day, with ten positions clearly established and the contest between Molina and Lulli on the right flank representing the main selection dilemma Gasperini faces.

Marten De Roon has joined AS Roma and is determined to move past a 2023 incident when he posted a photo with a middle-finger gesture and text mocking the club after Atalanta's victory over the giallorossi. The post drew controversy and a €2,500 fine. In his first interview at Trigoria, De Roon said he had not authorised publication of that post. "I always play around on social media, but on that occasion I overstepped the mark," he explained. "I didn't authorise that post against the giallorossi — it sounds like a lie but it's true. I'm very sorry." He pledged to prove himself on the pitch rather than through words: "Social media is one thing, I want to demonstrate on the field that I am someone who goes beyond that. I will give everything for the shirt and want to repay the trust with facts." De Roon spent nine years at Atalanta under Gasperini, serving as captain, and the coach has now brought him to Roma. The midfielder is excited by his new surroundings. "I'm super happy, it's something very beautiful," he said of Trigoria. "Roma is a great club, the training ground is top level and I'm eager to begin." He is already familiar with the Olimpico but always faced it as an opponent. He relishes the prospect of Champions League football this season: "Last season Roma was in great form, the Olimpico is special, always full and impressive. The fans are very warm and this year we'll play against very strong teams in the Champions League, the atmosphere will be amazing. We must enjoy these evenings and try to achieve great results." De Roon believes he can contribute immediately. He knows Bryan Cristante, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini from Serie A, and two fellow Dutch players are already at the club: Donyell Malen and Devyne Rensch. "I want to help because I know Gasperini's system very well. There are two Dutch lads: Malen and Rensch. I want to play my part and I've joined a very strong squad," he said. He acknowledged he must now earn the affection of Roma supporters who saw him as an enemy until recently: "Super happy to be here, I can't wait to play in front of you at the Olimpico. I hope to be welcomed in the right way. Daje Roma."

Roma travel to Lecce this afternoon in their first away fixture of the season, carrying momentum from a commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina. Lecce began their campaign with a 2–0 win at Venezia and will provide stiff opposition at the Via del Mare. Gasperini intends to field a largely unchanged side from the Fiorentina match. A contest remains open at right-back between Lulli and Molina, with the younger Roma player favoured for the match. In attack, Mora is the preferred option ahead of Soulé, Dybala and Malen. Roma will line up in a 3–4–2–1 formation: Svilar in goal; Mancini, N'Dicka and Hermoso across the back; Lulli, Koné, Cristante and Wesley in midfield; Dybala and Mora in support; Malen leading the line. Koulierakis, Molina, Balerdi, Ghilardi, De Roon, Pisilli, Castro and Soulé are among the substitutes. Lecce will adopt a 4–2–3–1 shape under Eusebio Di Francesco: Falcone; Veiga, Tiago Gabriel, Gaspar, Gallo; Coulibaly, Gorter; Pierotti, Ngom, N'Dri; Geubbels. The match kicks off at 16:30, with Chiffi of Padova as referee, assisted by Imperiale and Cecconi. Di Bello is fourth official, Di Paolo on VAR, and Paganessi as assistant VAR.

Roma travel to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 seeking to build on their commanding 4–0 opening-day victory over Fiorentina. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini intends to make minimal changes to the starting eleven that earned that emphatic win, with the principal uncertainty centring on the right-back slot where Nahuel Molina and Emanuele Lulli are contending for a starting place. Rodrigo Mora is favoured to retain his position in the attacking line alongside Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, who scored a hat-trick against Fiorentina. Mile Svilar will continue in goal, with the defensive trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso set to remain unchanged in front of him. Wesley will operate at left-back, while Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné are expected to continue as the central midfield pairing, despite the latter finishing the Fiorentina match with minor physical discomfort. The attacking system allows the three front players considerable fluidity, with Dybala given freedom to drift between the lines and support Malen as the most advanced referential point. Two recent arrivals—Marten de Roon and Leonardo Balerdi—have been included in the travelling squad for Lecce but are unlikely to start. De Roon, officially confirmed by Roma in recent hours, and Balerdi, newly arrived, have had minimal training time with their teammates and will serve as potential substitutes. Gasperini stated that he considered Matías Soulé fully available for the Lecce fixture, though Mora currently holds the edge for the starting role. The ballottage readings suggest Molina leads Lulli 55–45 per cent, while Mora is favoured 65–35 per cent over Soulé. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch remain unavailable. Roma's tactical setup is expected to mirror the successful pattern from the opening day, with ten positions clearly established and the contest between Molina and Lulli on the right flank representing the main selection dilemma Gasperini faces.

Real Madrid are monitoring Evan N'Dicka as a potential defensive target, according to Spanish media reports emerging in the closing hours of the transfer window. The Ivorian centre-back, a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma defence, has emerged on the club's radar partly because José Mourinho, who managed Roma and knows N'Dicka well from that spell, is an admirer. The report, carried by Fichajes.net and attributed to Spanish journalist Miguel "Látigo" Serrano of Diario Madridista/OKDIARIO, highlights N'Dicka's value as a left-footed central defender—a specific characteristic Mourinho is seeking. No formal negotiation between Real Madrid and Roma has been opened, and no offer has reached the club. N'Dicka's name sits instead on Madrid's list of monitored defensive opportunities, with any potential move dependent on the Spanish club's own outgoings. The 27-year-old holds a Roma contract until 30 June 2028 and is valued by Spanish press sources at €30–35 million—a figure that would serve as a reference point for any theoretical operation rather than a demand from Roma. The article notes that the situation could gain momentum in coming months. Real Madrid are thinking ahead on their defensive recruitment, with developments tied to Mourinho's squad hierarchy and fitness conditions. N'Dicka's contract position is highlighted as potentially significant: should he enter 2027 without a new deal from Roma, he would edge progressively closer to the final eighteen months of his terms, making him increasingly attractive on the transfer market. For now, however, N'Dicka remains a central player in Roma's technical project with no ongoing negotiations recorded with Real Madrid. Mourinho's knowledge of the defender and appreciation of his profile have nonetheless placed his name firmly in the Spanish club's sights.