Svilar on continuity and imposing Roma's game at Lecce

Gian Piero Gasperini has warned that unseasonably hot conditions could affect the spectacle of Roma's Serie A fixture at Lecce on 31 August, the second round of the season. The head coach acknowledged that Lecce presents a difficult away fixture, but expressed hope that the heat does not compromise the quality of play or the experience for supporters attending in large numbers. Gasperini highlighted Roma's impressive opening-day display against Fiorentina and the momentum surrounding the club as key assets for Sunday's match. He stressed that another strong performance will be required on an awkward pitch. "It's a characteristic of ours; we started very well against Fiorentina and also benefited from the enthusiasm around us. This is another match on a difficult field for everyone. An excellent performance will be needed," he said. On team selection, Gasperini confirmed that Matías Soulé and Emanuele Lulli, who performed well in pre-season, are ready to feature. He noted that modern football demands depth across a 16-player squad and said players will be deployed based on their current fitness levels given the weather conditions.

Roma return to the Champions League after seven years and will face two significant connections from their past. José Mourinho arrives with Real Madrid, while Davide Ancelotti—son of Carlo and current Lille manager—will lead his side to the Stadio Olimpico on 27 January 2027, a venue deeply meaningful to him on personal and family grounds. Ancelotti spoke to Radio Anch'io Sport on Rai Radio 1 about his profound link to the capital. His mother lived there for many years, and his father served as Roma captain. He also recalled his sole experience as head coach at the Olimpico, when he took charge of Napoli during one of the rare occasions his father was suspended. The stadium holds special significance for the Ancelotti family. "Roma is a city very dear to us," he said. "It is a special stadium and it will be very important for us. Roma is the last of the difficult away fixtures, but we have a young squad and we want to qualify."

Marten De Roon presented himself officially to Roma on 31 August 2026, expressing delight at joining the club. "I'm super happy, it's really something very beautiful. The transfer to a great society, I saw the sports centre and it's high level and I have so much desire to start," De Roon said at his unveiling. De Roon spent nine years under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at his previous club, where he regularly started and served as captain. He credited Gasperini with developing both him and the squad to a high standard. "When we spoke a few days ago he made a big effort and gave me this opportunity to come here, and for that I thank him so much. I also thank the club and the society that wanted me: it's not at all obvious, I'm really super happy," De Roon said. He acknowledged Roma's current strength, noting that "the squad is there, it's very strong. There are guys like Bryan Cristante, who I know, Paulo Dybala and Gianluca Mancini, who have played here for many years. I want to give a hand, I know Gasperini's game very well." On a previous social media post that appeared to target Roma, De Roon clarified his approach: "I'm someone who always jokes on social media, I always try to push the limit. On that occasion I think I overstepped the limit. There's an explanation though: with two friends I manage my social media. It was the only time – it seems like a lie but it's true – where I didn't authorise the post, because I had many interviews after the match. I'm sorry because I overstepped the limit." He expressed eagerness to play at the Olimpico, describing the stadium as "something very special" and noting that Roma's return to Champions League football creates "a crazy environment." De Roon sent a message to Roma supporters: "I'm super happy to be here. I can't wait to play at the Olimpico in front of you, because I realise it's a very special environment. I hope you welcome me in the right way. Forza Roma!"

Mile Svilar has called for Roma to maintain consistency in their second Serie A match of the season against Lecce. The goalkeeper praised the defensive response in Roma's opening fixture and stressed the need to build on that foundation. "We must always search for continuity," Svilar said. "The match against Fiorentina was only the first game." Svilar acknowledged the difficulty of Lecce's ground, warning that even elite sides find it a challenging environment. "The Lecce pitch is complicated for everyone, and today it is hot," he explained. "I have been here several times and I know it is a difficult ground with a difficult atmosphere. We must impose our style of play and take the three points." The goalkeeper also reflected on Roma's gradual development under their current project, which has been running for several years. "This is a Roma that has been built from last season," Svilar noted. "We have been together for a few years now, and that always helps."

Roma line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation for their second Serie A match of the season at Lecce on Monday, 31 August, with Matías Soulé replacing Rodrigo Mora in attack as the only change from their opening-day win over Fiorentina. The side shows Mile Svilar in goal, Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso in defence, Emanuele Lulli and Bryan Cristante in midfield with Manu Koné, Wesley providing width, Soulé in the No. 10 role and Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as forwards. Gian Piero Gasperini keeps the bulk of the XI unchanged, with Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon among those on the bench. Lecce, managed by Di Francesco, set out in a 4-3-3 with Falcone in goal and deploy Ndaba, Gaspar, Siebert and Veiga across their back four.

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his team for Roma's second Serie A match of the season at Lecce. The head coach persists with a 3-4-2-1 formation, deploying Donyell Malen as the central attacking reference supported by the Argentine pair of Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé operating behind him. The XI maintains continuity in defence and midfield. Mile Svilar starts in goal behind a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Mario Hermoso. Emanuele Lulli and Wesley occupy the wing-back positions, with Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante in the centre of the pitch. Gasperini's selection prioritises quality and technical ability in the final third, with Dybala and Soulé tasked with creating space and supply for Malen. Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé; Malen. Manager: Gasperini.