Ratings: De Rossi's press conference responses, Lulli's emerging maturity

Roma demolished Lecce 4–0 at the Via del Mare, delivering a display of tactical and physical dominance that underlined Gian Piero Gasperini's team's excellent current form. The national press unanimously celebrated the performance, with particular praise for Donyell Malen's increasingly devastating form and for squad players who seized their starting opportunities with compelling showings. Malen earned the highest individual rating across the papers surveyed, with marks of 8 to 8.5, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as a surprise standout, consistently rated between 6.5 and 7.5 in a defensive line that held firm. Bryan Cristante impressed in midfield with ratings of 6.5 to 8, and Paulo Dybala registered 6.5 to 7 before being replaced late in the match. Gasperini himself received widespread commendation, rated between 7.5 and 8 by the publications. The team lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar was steady in goal, Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso anchored the defence alongside Ghilardi, and Manu Koné controlled the midfield before his substitution on 67 minutes. Matías Soulé appeared in an attacking role and was replaced on 60 minutes, as was Wesley. Santiago Castro and Niccolò Pisilli entered from the bench, while Marten de Roon came on in the closing stages.

Roma delivered a four-goal performance at Lecce in a tactical display that showcased Gasperini's developing system. The Giallorossi dominated from the opening whistle, pressing high across the pitch and recovering possession aggressively through Koné, who repeatedly forced turnovers. Gasperini deployed his customary 3-4-2-1 with Soulé on the left and Dybala flanking Malen, while Lecce set up in a 3-5-1-1 with Pierotti supporting Geubbels. Roma mounted sustained pressure from the start, moving the ball with speed and disrupting Lecce's central defensive line through coordinated forward pressing that stole time and space from the opening moment of possession. The right-flank rotations proved particularly effective, with Ghilardi consistently pushing forward to generate width while Roma systematically penetrated down the baseline; on the left, Wesley initially faced heavier pressure from Veiga, with Soulé struggling to gain ground and Hermoso operating primarily in a covering role to shield Mancini from Geubbels' pace—a crucial mismatch the article identified as dangerous for their system. A single vulnerability emerged in Roma's defensive setup: when Mancini operated as a central defender rather than as a full-back alongside the faster N'Dicka, his reliance on aggression and anticipation left him vulnerable to opponents who could draw him forward and then attack the space laterally. Geubbels exploited this channel after 37 minutes, forcing a save from Svilar. The defensive fragility proved temporary. Malen created further chaos by moving between Lecce's three central defenders, causing confusion over coverage and drifting into offside positions repeatedly; Lecce's high defensive line compounded the problem, leading to a devastating 24-minute spell where Roma took command. The second half brought tactical adjustments from both sides: Di Francesco switched to a four-defender formation with three midfielders and three attacking players, while Gasperini repositioned Soulé behind Dybala and Malen in pursuit of Ngom. Stulic replaced the injured Geubbels, removing a significant threat to Mancini's positioning. Mora and Molina entered for Wesley and Soulé, maintaining Roma's 3-4-1-2 structure; Mora scored his first goal in Italy after Mancini supplied an assist from an uncluttered defensive position. Castro and Pisilli replaced Malen and Koné later in the match, continuing the established rotation pattern from the opening league fixture, before De Roon's introduction sealed the victory with Cristante moving into the number-ten role. The performance underlined how Gasperini's squad depth and tactical flexibility allow him broad scope to manage matches creatively and adapt his approach across the 90 minutes.

Donyell Malen has become a revelation for Roma since his arrival, scoring five goals in the first two Serie A matches of the 2026-27 season. The Dutch forward has completely transformed the club's attacking play, combining prolific finishing with an ability to create for teammates. In yesterday's fixture against Lecce, Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net—Mora notably scoring after managing just one league goal throughout the previous season under Farioli. Roma have already struck eight goals across their opening two matches, a dramatic acceleration compared to last season when head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's side required until 26 October, the eighth matchday, to reach that same tally. Only against Fiorentina and Verona last season had Roma scored twice in a single league match. The contrast with the previous year's attacking output is stark. The pairing of Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson last season yielded just six goals combined in Serie A, while Malen has already reached five in two games. The attacking unit is set to strengthen further once Paulo Dybala and Santiago Castro return to full availability, and Roma are also pursuing an additional forward signing before the close of the transfer window.

Donyell Malen has received his first Serie A caution of the season after being booked in the 8th minute of the second matchday for unsporting behaviour. The Roma forward's yellow card carries no further consequences for the club. Lecce, however, has been handed a €10,000 fine by the Sports Judge for delaying the kick-off by approximately six minutes. The delay was caused by the need to regularise the equipment of some Lecce players. According to the disciplinary statement, the hold-up was extended further because two players failed to comply with the request to rectify their kit.

Roma demolished Lecce 4–0 at the Via del Mare, delivering a display of tactical and physical dominance that underlined Gian Piero Gasperini's team's excellent current form. The national press unanimously celebrated the performance, with particular praise for Donyell Malen's increasingly devastating form and for squad players who seized their starting opportunities with compelling showings. Malen earned the highest individual rating across the papers surveyed, with marks of 8 to 8.5, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as a surprise standout, consistently rated between 6.5 and 7.5 in a defensive line that held firm. Bryan Cristante impressed in midfield with ratings of 6.5 to 8, and Paulo Dybala registered 6.5 to 7 before being replaced late in the match. Gasperini himself received widespread commendation, rated between 7.5 and 8 by the publications. The team lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar was steady in goal, Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso anchored the defence alongside Ghilardi, and Manu Koné controlled the midfield before his substitution on 67 minutes. Matías Soulé appeared in an attacking role and was replaced on 60 minutes, as was Wesley. Santiago Castro and Niccolò Pisilli entered from the bench, while Marten de Roon came on in the closing stages.

Roma delivered a four-goal performance at Lecce in a tactical display that showcased Gasperini's developing system. The Giallorossi dominated from the opening whistle, pressing high across the pitch and recovering possession aggressively through Koné, who repeatedly forced turnovers. Gasperini deployed his customary 3-4-2-1 with Soulé on the left and Dybala flanking Malen, while Lecce set up in a 3-5-1-1 with Pierotti supporting Geubbels. Roma mounted sustained pressure from the start, moving the ball with speed and disrupting Lecce's central defensive line through coordinated forward pressing that stole time and space from the opening moment of possession. The right-flank rotations proved particularly effective, with Ghilardi consistently pushing forward to generate width while Roma systematically penetrated down the baseline; on the left, Wesley initially faced heavier pressure from Veiga, with Soulé struggling to gain ground and Hermoso operating primarily in a covering role to shield Mancini from Geubbels' pace—a crucial mismatch the article identified as dangerous for their system. A single vulnerability emerged in Roma's defensive setup: when Mancini operated as a central defender rather than as a full-back alongside the faster N'Dicka, his reliance on aggression and anticipation left him vulnerable to opponents who could draw him forward and then attack the space laterally. Geubbels exploited this channel after 37 minutes, forcing a save from Svilar. The defensive fragility proved temporary. Malen created further chaos by moving between Lecce's three central defenders, causing confusion over coverage and drifting into offside positions repeatedly; Lecce's high defensive line compounded the problem, leading to a devastating 24-minute spell where Roma took command. The second half brought tactical adjustments from both sides: Di Francesco switched to a four-defender formation with three midfielders and three attacking players, while Gasperini repositioned Soulé behind Dybala and Malen in pursuit of Ngom. Stulic replaced the injured Geubbels, removing a significant threat to Mancini's positioning. Mora and Molina entered for Wesley and Soulé, maintaining Roma's 3-4-1-2 structure; Mora scored his first goal in Italy after Mancini supplied an assist from an uncluttered defensive position. Castro and Pisilli replaced Malen and Koné later in the match, continuing the established rotation pattern from the opening league fixture, before De Roon's introduction sealed the victory with Cristante moving into the number-ten role. The performance underlined how Gasperini's squad depth and tactical flexibility allow him broad scope to manage matches creatively and adapt his approach across the 90 minutes.

Roma demolished Lecce 4–0 at the Via del Mare, delivering a display of tactical and physical dominance that underlined Gian Piero Gasperini's team's excellent current form. The national press unanimously celebrated the performance, with particular praise for Donyell Malen's increasingly devastating form and for squad players who seized their starting opportunities with compelling showings. Malen earned the highest individual rating across the papers surveyed, with marks of 8 to 8.5, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as a surprise standout, consistently rated between 6.5 and 7.5 in a defensive line that held firm. Bryan Cristante impressed in midfield with ratings of 6.5 to 8, and Paulo Dybala registered 6.5 to 7 before being replaced late in the match. Gasperini himself received widespread commendation, rated between 7.5 and 8 by the publications. The team lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Mile Svilar was steady in goal, Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso anchored the defence alongside Ghilardi, and Manu Koné controlled the midfield before his substitution on 67 minutes. Matías Soulé appeared in an attacking role and was replaced on 60 minutes, as was Wesley. Santiago Castro and Niccolò Pisilli entered from the bench, while Marten de Roon came on in the closing stages.

Roma delivered a four-goal performance at Lecce in a tactical display that showcased Gasperini's developing system. The Giallorossi dominated from the opening whistle, pressing high across the pitch and recovering possession aggressively through Koné, who repeatedly forced turnovers. Gasperini deployed his customary 3-4-2-1 with Soulé on the left and Dybala flanking Malen, while Lecce set up in a 3-5-1-1 with Pierotti supporting Geubbels. Roma mounted sustained pressure from the start, moving the ball with speed and disrupting Lecce's central defensive line through coordinated forward pressing that stole time and space from the opening moment of possession. The right-flank rotations proved particularly effective, with Ghilardi consistently pushing forward to generate width while Roma systematically penetrated down the baseline; on the left, Wesley initially faced heavier pressure from Veiga, with Soulé struggling to gain ground and Hermoso operating primarily in a covering role to shield Mancini from Geubbels' pace—a crucial mismatch the article identified as dangerous for their system. A single vulnerability emerged in Roma's defensive setup: when Mancini operated as a central defender rather than as a full-back alongside the faster N'Dicka, his reliance on aggression and anticipation left him vulnerable to opponents who could draw him forward and then attack the space laterally. Geubbels exploited this channel after 37 minutes, forcing a save from Svilar. The defensive fragility proved temporary. Malen created further chaos by moving between Lecce's three central defenders, causing confusion over coverage and drifting into offside positions repeatedly; Lecce's high defensive line compounded the problem, leading to a devastating 24-minute spell where Roma took command. The second half brought tactical adjustments from both sides: Di Francesco switched to a four-defender formation with three midfielders and three attacking players, while Gasperini repositioned Soulé behind Dybala and Malen in pursuit of Ngom. Stulic replaced the injured Geubbels, removing a significant threat to Mancini's positioning. Mora and Molina entered for Wesley and Soulé, maintaining Roma's 3-4-1-2 structure; Mora scored his first goal in Italy after Mancini supplied an assist from an uncluttered defensive position. Castro and Pisilli replaced Malen and Koné later in the match, continuing the established rotation pattern from the opening league fixture, before De Roon's introduction sealed the victory with Cristante moving into the number-ten role. The performance underlined how Gasperini's squad depth and tactical flexibility allow him broad scope to manage matches creatively and adapt his approach across the 90 minutes.

Roma hammered Lecce 4–0 to claim three points in a one-sided fixture, with Donyell Malen producing a standout performance. Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net. Emanuele Lulli delivered a strong display in defence, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as an unexpected highlight after being drafted in at short notice due to Evan N'Dicka's absence. Gasperini deployed Roma in a 3–4–1–2 formation. Ghilardi's emergency shift proved effective, earning him marks of 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport, 6.5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 7 from Messaggero, and 7 from Tempo. Mile Svilar received ratings ranging from 6.5 to 7 across the four newspapers. Gianluca Mancini was rated between 6 and 7, while Mario Hermoso earned 6 to 7.5 depending on the outlet. In midfield, Bryan Cristante was graded 6.5 to 8, with Corriere awarding him the highest mark. Manu Koné received 6.5 to 7.5 before being withdrawn at the 67th minute in favour of Niccolò Pisilli. Wesley was rated 6.5 to 7 and was replaced at the 60th minute by Nahuel Molina. Malen's performance drew praise with an 8 from Gazzetta, Messaggero and Tempo, and 8.5 from Corriere. Soulé was marked 6.5 to 7.5 and was substituted at the 60th minute for Mora, who received 6.5 to 7. Paulo Dybala earned 6.5 to 7.5 before departing at the 84th minute for Marten de Roon. Gasperini received ratings of 7.5 to 8 for his management.

Roma delivered a four-goal performance at Lecce in a tactical display that showcased Gasperini's developing system. The Giallorossi dominated from the opening whistle, pressing high across the pitch and recovering possession aggressively through Koné, who repeatedly forced turnovers. Gasperini deployed his customary 3-4-2-1 with Soulé on the left and Dybala flanking Malen, while Lecce set up in a 3-5-1-1 with Pierotti supporting Geubbels. Roma mounted sustained pressure from the start, moving the ball with speed and disrupting Lecce's central defensive line through coordinated forward pressing that stole time and space from the opening moment of possession. The right-flank rotations proved particularly effective, with Ghilardi consistently pushing forward to generate width while Roma systematically penetrated down the baseline; on the left, Wesley initially faced heavier pressure from Veiga, with Soulé struggling to gain ground and Hermoso operating primarily in a covering role to shield Mancini from Geubbels' pace—a crucial mismatch the article identified as dangerous for their system. A single vulnerability emerged in Roma's defensive setup: when Mancini operated as a central defender rather than as a full-back alongside the faster N'Dicka, his reliance on aggression and anticipation left him vulnerable to opponents who could draw him forward and then attack the space laterally. Geubbels exploited this channel after 37 minutes, forcing a save from Svilar. The defensive fragility proved temporary. Malen created further chaos by moving between Lecce's three central defenders, causing confusion over coverage and drifting into offside positions repeatedly; Lecce's high defensive line compounded the problem, leading to a devastating 24-minute spell where Roma took command. The second half brought tactical adjustments from both sides: Di Francesco switched to a four-defender formation with three midfielders and three attacking players, while Gasperini repositioned Soulé behind Dybala and Malen in pursuit of Ngom. Stulic replaced the injured Geubbels, removing a significant threat to Mancini's positioning. Mora and Molina entered for Wesley and Soulé, maintaining Roma's 3-4-1-2 structure; Mora scored his first goal in Italy after Mancini supplied an assist from an uncluttered defensive position. Castro and Pisilli replaced Malen and Koné later in the match, continuing the established rotation pattern from the opening league fixture, before De Roon's introduction sealed the victory with Cristante moving into the number-ten role. The performance underlined how Gasperini's squad depth and tactical flexibility allow him broad scope to manage matches creatively and adapt his approach across the 90 minutes.

Roma hammered Lecce 4–0 to claim three points in a one-sided fixture, with Donyell Malen producing a standout performance. Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora also found the net. Emanuele Lulli delivered a strong display in defence, while Daniele Ghilardi emerged as an unexpected highlight after being drafted in at short notice due to Evan N'Dicka's absence. Gasperini deployed Roma in a 3–4–1–2 formation. Ghilardi's emergency shift proved effective, earning him marks of 7.5 from Corriere dello Sport, 6.5 from Gazzetta dello Sport, 7 from Messaggero, and 7 from Tempo. Mile Svilar received ratings ranging from 6.5 to 7 across the four newspapers. Gianluca Mancini was rated between 6 and 7, while Mario Hermoso earned 6 to 7.5 depending on the outlet. In midfield, Bryan Cristante was graded 6.5 to 8, with Corriere awarding him the highest mark. Manu Koné received 6.5 to 7.5 before being withdrawn at the 67th minute in favour of Niccolò Pisilli. Wesley was rated 6.5 to 7 and was replaced at the 60th minute by Nahuel Molina. Malen's performance drew praise with an 8 from Gazzetta, Messaggero and Tempo, and 8.5 from Corriere. Soulé was marked 6.5 to 7.5 and was substituted at the 60th minute for Mora, who received 6.5 to 7. Paulo Dybala earned 6.5 to 7.5 before departing at the 84th minute for Marten de Roon. Gasperini received ratings of 7.5 to 8 for his management.

Evan N'Dicka was ruled out of Roma's match against Lecce after suffering a right adductor problem during the warm-up. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini chose not to risk the Ivorian centre-back and started Daniele Ghilardi in his place. N'Dicka, who watched from the bench as his teammates secured victory, will undergo instrumental tests on 1 September to determine the severity of the injury. Meanwhile, Devyne Rensch is ready to rejoin the squad following a minor left hamstring problem. The defender is set to resume training on 1 September.