Roma v Atalanta on 5 September: team news and likely line-ups

Roma have failed to complete a move for Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling after running out of time to finalise the deal. The Giallorossi had made a fresh push for the German winger in recent days and had reached an agreement with Stuttgart, but the player's reluctance to join held up progress. Alfredo Pedulla reported earlier today that Leweling had not initially given approval to the transfer, and Gianluca Di Marzio has since confirmed there is insufficient time to seal the move before the window closes. The versatile winger will remain at the German club. The failure to land Leweling represents a disappointment for Roma, as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had been keen to secure an additional attacking signing. The club had explored other options in attack, including moves for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Malick Fofana, though Fofana is nearing a switch to the Premier League. Leweling would have fitted Roma's requirements well, as he was not expected to be a regular starter but would have accepted a squad role. Roma were facing a race against time to complete the transfer, and the latest developments have ended any prospect of the deal going through before the summer window shuts.

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's week in football ratings begins with De Rossi at the top of the marks for his measured and uncompromising approach in the press conference. Described as intelligent and characterful, he argued without hypocrisy and avoided clichés—qualities the rater valued against journalists' provocations. Donyell Malen earned a 9 for dominating Roma's attacking phase so completely that his two goals, aided by Lecce's defensive lapses, almost seemed incidental. He hunts the goal with instinctive hunger, and the rater suggested Gasperini may field two of him. Daniele Ghilardi, drafted in for N'Dicka with little notice, rated an 8 for combining tackling toughness with elegant distribution on the break. Emanuele Lulli received a 7, confirming his promising debut against Fiorentina with a second outing that showed growing maturity and command. Matías Soulé began in a static mould, waiting for the ball at his feet, but improved once he began hunting space to connect with Malen and teammates, claiming a share of the action despite the heat of southern Italy. Santiago Castro rated a 5, needing to shed a couple of kilograms before the hesitation limiting his pace disappears. The rater also assessed other Serie A moments: Łukasz Skorupski's costly hesitation for Bologna against Sarrism; Napoli's passive display against Como, redeemed only by a late rally; and Fiorentina's uncoordinated collection of talented players failing to function as a team.

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's summer transfer window has closed with six new arrivals for Gian Piero Gasperini: Balerdi, Koulierakis, Molina, de Roon, Rodrigo Mora and Castro. The club also secured permanent deals for Ghilardi and Malen, and renewed contracts for Pellegrini and Dybala. However, Gasperini was unable to add a left-back or left winger, with moves for Cabal, Leweling and Gittens falling through on the final day of the market. Between 1 July and 1 September, Roma allowed 14 players to depart: Zelezny, Kumbulla, Ziolkowski, Angelino, Mannini, Reale, Sangare, Saud, El Aynaoui, Pagano, Romano, Cherubini, Dovbyk and Vaz. Celik and El Shaarawy departed at the end of their contracts, while Tsimikas and Ferguson's loans from last season concluded. The club retained key assets Soulé and Koné, avoiding any major sales.

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.