AS Roma vs Lecce: Serie A Clash Preview

AS Roma head south to Salento on Sunday, carrying the swagger of league leaders and the weight of expectation, for a Serie A clash with Lecce at the Stadio Ettore Giardiniero.

Roma arrive in ruthless mood. A 4-0 dismantling of Fiorentina on Matchday 1 underlined their early authority at the top of the table and stretched their league winning run to six games, a sequence that began in the closing weeks of last season. Five clean sheets in that spell tell their own story: this is a side that defends with conviction and punishes any lapse.

The history books offer little comfort to Lecce. Roma have taken the last four meetings between the clubs, and they travel as clear favourites to extend that streak. The question is whether the momentum they’ve built can survive another long away day and a few key absences.

Gasperini’s balancing act

Gian Piero Gasperini has a squad in form but not yet at full strength. His task in Salento is to blend new arrivals with a core that already looks settled and sharp.

At the back, Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi has been named in the squad for the first time and is widely tipped to go straight into the starting XI. His debut, if it comes, will drop him immediately into the intensity of an away Serie A fixture, with Roma’s defensive standards already set high.

In midfield, Marten De Roon has wasted no time bedding in after his surprise deadline-day switch from Atalanta. The Dutchman’s experience and aggression give Gasperini another reliable option in the engine room, especially with injuries biting.

Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch both miss out, sidelined by thigh and flexor problems. Their absence strips Roma of creativity and versatility, but there is at least a timeline: both are expected to rejoin full training next week. For now, others must carry the load.

On the flanks, there is better news. Nahuel Molina has shaken off a knock and is back to full fitness, a boost that ramps up the competition for minutes and puts real pressure on young wing-back Emanuele Lulli, who is fighting to hold his place.

Squad depth has taken a hit in other areas. Robinio Vaz and Neil El Aynaoui have departed, heading to Hull City and RB Leipzig respectively, trimming Gasperini’s options as the season begins to gather pace.

How Roma could line up

Despite the changes, Roma still look strong on paper. A possible starting XI in Salento:

Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Kone, Cristante, Wesley; Mora, Dybala; Malen.

That setup leans on the established spine of Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka and Bryan Cristante, with Paulo Dybala expected to operate between the lines and link with Donyell Malen’s movement in behind. If Balerdi does start, one of those defensive pieces may shift, but the structure and aggression are unlikely to change.

Kick-off and how to watch

Lecce vs AS Roma kicks off at 5:30pm BST on Monday, 31st August.

In the UK, the match will be shown live on DAZN.

Roma arrive in Salento with form, history and the league table on their side. Now comes the real test: can Gasperini’s reshaped squad keep its grip on top spot as the fixtures and the pressure begin to tighten?