Roma crush Lecce 4–0 to match record run; Malen unstoppable as Gasperini impresses

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.

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 Manu Koné received 6.5 to 7.5 before being withdrawn at the 67th minute in favour of Niccolò Pisilli.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 have opened the 2026–27 season with eight goals scored, none conceded, and six points from two matches against Fiorentina and Lecce. While cautioning against drawing sweeping conclusions from early fixtures, the article notes that Roma's performance at Lecce—where they dominated to such a degree that the home crowd applauded their own side's rare attacking moments in the second half—suggested a squad capable of imposing superiority without prolonging matches unnecessarily. The display drew comparison to Atalanta under Gasperini at their peak, when opponents were overwhelmed from the opening whistle. Donyell Malen's availability from the start of the season represents a significant shift. He joined Roma in January 2025 and immediately catalysed an impressive climbing run that secured Champions League qualification; having him from matchday one means the attack can shift the balance immediately. Paulo Dybala, though not as scintillating at Lecce as he had been against Fiorentina, showed he is physically well and maintained quality and sharpness throughout almost the entire match—a condition that elevates the whole team when sustained. The pairing of Malen and Dybala together is described as a dream coupling, though relying on both at peak fitness for an entire season would be unrealistic. Emanuele Lulli has emerged as an unexpected resource. After impressing against Fiorentina, he delivered another commanding display at Lecce and is now a full first-team option rather than merely covering an emergency; he tackles physical challenges with composure and shows surprising naturalness at this level. Rodrigo Mora scored for the first time in Roma colours. Gasperini continues to press the club and the Friedkins for a longer, more competitive squad capable of handling both Serie A and Champions League without depending entirely on his best players. An imbalance persists in the wide positions—Roma have largely right-footed full-backs and lack a genuine left-sided winger, a gap Gasperini could solve with the right signing. The article notes that sterner tests will arrive soon and will determine Roma's genuine competitiveness against the strongest opponents. However, avoiding premature judgment is not the same as ignoring what is happening: this Roma is stronger, more complete, more physical, and displays a different self-awareness. Gasperini's final transfer window deadline remains open, and what it delivers will shape the campaign ahead.

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 joined an elite group of Serie A strikers after scoring twice against Lecce to reach 19 goals in his first 20 competitive appearances for Roma. The Dutch forward's record places him behind only two legendary figures in the single round-robin era of Italian football: Gunnar Nordahl in 1949 and José Altafini between 1958 and 1959, both of whom scored 20 goals in their opening 20 matches. Malen has established himself as a cornerstone of Roma's attack under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini this season. His prolific form ranks among the most significant impacts recorded by any newcomer to Italian football in recent history, confirming his status as a defining attacking weapon for the club.

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.

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.

Roma face a transfer impasse as Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling delays his decision to move to the Stadio Olimpico. Gian Piero Gasperini has requested an attacking winger, and the club has reached a broad agreement with Stuttgart in principle, but Leweling has not yet given his final approval to the transfer. The deadlock is testing the patience of the Roma fanbase and has prompted reactions from the entertainment world. Damiano David, the singer and former frontman of Måneskin, has publicly commented on the situation with his characteristic humour. David, a lifelong Roma supporter, posted on X in response to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio's coverage, describing Leweling's hesitation with the quip: "What a stinker." The comment quickly circulated online and drew support from numerous fans. This is not David's first public expression of opinion on Roma's transfer activity; he had commented only weeks earlier on the arrival of young prospect Rodrigo Mora with the remark: "It makes me want to cry." Roma's hierarchy and coaching staff share the frustration. The closing stages of the transfer window present the club with two routes forward: either unlock the Leweling deal or decisively pursue alternative targets to provide Gasperini with the attacking reinforcement he has demanded.

Negotiations over Christoph Leweling's transfer to Roma remain deadlocked, with the Stuttgart forward yet to agree to a move despite the club having reached a broad agreement on terms. Damiano David, the former Maneskin frontman, took to social media to criticise the impasse, posting: "Sto puzzone" — a barbed jab at the attacker's reluctance. David, a known Roma supporter, had previously commented on the summer arrival of Rodrigo Mora with the words: "Mi viene da piangere" (It makes me want to cry). With the transfer window closing, Roma and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini remain hopeful that Leweling will be the attacking addition they are pursuing in the final days of the market.

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 have opened the 2026–27 season with eight goals scored, none conceded, and six points from two matches against Fiorentina and Lecce. While cautioning against drawing sweeping conclusions from early fixtures, the article notes that Roma's performance at Lecce—where they dominated to such a degree that the home crowd applauded their own side's rare attacking moments in the second half—suggested a squad capable of imposing superiority without prolonging matches unnecessarily. The display drew comparison to Atalanta under Gasperini at their peak, when opponents were overwhelmed from the opening whistle. Donyell Malen's availability from the start of the season represents a significant shift. He joined Roma in January 2025 and immediately catalysed an impressive climbing run that secured Champions League qualification; having him from matchday one means the attack can shift the balance immediately. Paulo Dybala, though not as scintillating at Lecce as he had been against Fiorentina, showed he is physically well and maintained quality and sharpness throughout almost the entire match—a condition that elevates the whole team when sustained. The pairing of Malen and Dybala together is described as a dream coupling, though relying on both at peak fitness for an entire season would be unrealistic. Emanuele Lulli has emerged as an unexpected resource. After impressing against Fiorentina, he delivered another commanding display at Lecce and is now a full first-team option rather than merely covering an emergency; he tackles physical challenges with composure and shows surprising naturalness at this level. Rodrigo Mora scored for the first time in Roma colours. Gasperini continues to press the club and the Friedkins for a longer, more competitive squad capable of handling both Serie A and Champions League without depending entirely on his best players. An imbalance persists in the wide positions—Roma have largely right-footed full-backs and lack a genuine left-sided winger, a gap Gasperini could solve with the right signing. The article notes that sterner tests will arrive soon and will determine Roma's genuine competitiveness against the strongest opponents. However, avoiding premature judgment is not the same as ignoring what is happening: this Roma is stronger, more complete, more physical, and displays a different self-awareness. Gasperini's final transfer window deadline remains open, and what it delivers will shape the campaign ahead.

Donyell Malen scored twice as Roma demolished Lecce 4–0 to match their 4–0 victory over Fiorentina in the opening round, extending their perfect start to the 2026–27 season. Malen struck after four minutes and again after 23, adding to his hat-trick against Fiorentina to give him five goals in Roma's first two matches—a club record for any player in the opening two games over the past 65 years. Gianluca Montella had previously managed four in the opening two fixtures during the 2004–05 season. With 19 goals in his first 20 Serie A appearances, Malen now ranks behind only Gunnar Nordahl and Alfredo Altafini in the competition's annals. Roma's dominance extends beyond Malen's output. The club have never before won their opening two matches with a four-goal margin, and this is only the second time in their history they have achieved a goal difference of +8 across two games—the previous occasion was in 1960–61. Matías Soulé added Roma's third goal, while Rodrigo Mora sealed the result with Roma's fourth, marking his first goal in Italian football. Gasperini named an unchanged starting eleven, fielding no summer signings except Emanuele Lulli, a youth graduate, whose selection reflects the coach's proven eye for young talent.