AS Roma is set to face Lecce in their upcoming Serie A fixture on Sunday at the Stadio Ettore Giardiniero, with both teams looking to build on their respective starts to the season.
After a resounding 4-0 victory against Fiorentina in their opening match, Roma, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, is eager to continue their momentum. The Giallorossi's strong performance in their first league outing has placed them at the top of the Serie A table, and they aim to extend their winning streak to seven matches, dating back to last season.
Lecce, under the guidance of manager Eusebio Di Francesco, enters Matchday 2 with a positive outlook following their 2-0 win against Venezia. This opening victory has provided a boost to the squad, which is keen to achieve consecutive wins in the top flight for the first time in club history. However, Lecce must address their consistency issues, having experienced three defeats in their last five competitive outings.
Team news for Lecce reveals a largely stable squad, with the most notable concern being left-back Antonino Gallo. He was substituted early in the previous match due to a head and cheekbone injury but has since passed fitness tests and is expected to start against Roma. Additionally, midfielder Medon Berisha has returned to the matchday squad after a lengthy recovery from a thigh injury, although he may initially be on the bench as he works on regaining match fitness.
In the attacking department, Lecce will rely on their summer signing Willem Geubbels, who is anticipated to lead the offensive line alongside Santiago Pierotti and Konan N’Dri. This front three has shown promise and will be crucial in Lecce's strategy to challenge Roma's defense.
On the other side, AS Roma's squad is a mix of new arrivals and injury concerns. The headline news is the inclusion of Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi, who is poised for his debut after being called up to the squad. Midfielder Marten De Roon, who joined Roma in a surprise transfer from Atalanta, has quickly integrated into the team.
However, Roma will be without key players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch, both sidelined due to thigh and flexor injuries. Their expected return to full training next week offers hope for the Giallorossi. Fortunately for Roma, wing-back Nahuel Molina has recovered from a knock and is fit to play, adding depth to the squad.
Historically, AS Roma has had the upper hand against Lecce, winning their last four encounters without conceding a goal in three of those matches. This record positions them as favorites heading into this match, especially given their recent form.
As for the predicted lineups, Lecce is expected to field a team consisting of Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Gabriel, Ndaba; Ngom, Coulibaly, Gorter; Pierotti, Geubbels, and N’Dri. Meanwhile, AS Roma's lineup may include Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Kone, Cristante, Wesley; Mora, Dybala, and Malen.
Fans in the UK can catch the match live on DAZN, as both teams aim to secure vital points in this early stage of the Serie A season.
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