AS Roma is set to clash with Serie A underdogs Lecce at the Stadio Olimpico this Sunday afternoon, seeking a return to winning form. The three-time Italian champions are currently navigating a challenging period, with their aspirations for European competition hanging in the balance after a series of underwhelming results.
The team, attributed to Gian Piero Gasperini in the original text, has failed to secure a victory in their last three league fixtures, including back-to-back 2-1 defeats against Genoa and Como. Consequently, they find themselves six points behind the fourth-placed side, led by Cesc Fabregas, prior to today’s kick-off. Avoiding any further missteps is crucial if they aim to remain in contention for a top-four finish, a feat they haven’t achieved since the 2017/18 season.
Roma’s confidence took another blow midweek in the UEFA Europa League, as fellow Serie A rivals Bologna eliminated the Giallorossi after a tense period of extra time, denying them a place in the quarter-finals. Eager to bounce back from this heartbreaking defeat, Roma will be looking to make a strong statement on their home turf.
Visiting Lecce appears unlikely to thwart their hosts’ plans, having lost three of their last four league matches (with one win), with all defeats coming against teams currently in the top six. Just last weekend, Serie A’s least prolific offensive team suffered a 2-1 loss at Napoli, which saw them slide into the relegation zone.
Despite this, they are level on points with 17th-placed Cremonese, who secured a vital 2-0 victory at Parma yesterday, intensifying the pressure on the Puglia-based club ahead of their journey to the capital.
Match Overview
Roma
Fatigue could be a factor for Gasperini’s players following their exhausting second leg against Bologna, but they must regroup quickly to stay relevant in the race for a top-four spot. Roma has gone five games across all competitions without a win (two draws, three losses), marking their longest winless streak under the former Atalanta manager.
Alarmingly, they have already suffered ten defeats in 29 Serie A matches this season, surpassing their total number of losses for the entire 2024/25 campaign. However, their home record at the Olimpico has been impressive, boasting an eye-catching 78.57% unbeaten ratio (nine wins, two draws, three losses). It’s also worth noting that they haven’t lost a single home league game since November (five wins, two draws).
Lecce’s upcoming visit could further inspire confidence, given that Roma has won the last three top-flight encounters between the sides, including a 2-0 triumph in January’s reverse fixture. Adding to their comfort, the hosts have amassed a remarkable 18-game unbeaten run against this opposition at home (16 wins, two draws).
Lecce
Further emphasizing Roma’s status as a challenging opponent for Lecce, the visitors have failed to win any of their last ten competitive matches against Gasperini’s side (two draws, eight losses) since a 4-2 home victory in April 2012. While this would be an ideal moment to end their drought, their poor away form suggests another disappointing outcome.
Indeed, Lecce has lost nine of their 14 away league matches this term (three wins, two draws), including their last two consecutive games, despite opening the scoring within the first 15 minutes on both occasions. Furthermore, Eusebio Di Francesco’s squad has notoriously struggled against top-half rivals this season, securing a league-low four points in such fixtures (four draws, eleven losses).
With just 21 goals scored in the first 29 rounds, Lecce is Serie A’s weakest attacking team. They are unlikely to improve upon this dismal tally here, especially considering that not a single member of their squad has ever found the net against Roma in the top flight. As such, this promises to be another forgettable afternoon for the Salentians.
Team News
Injuries have significantly depleted Gasperini’s squad, with Zeki Celik and Manu Kone joining long-term absentees Paulo Dybala, Evan Ferguson, Matias Soule, and Artem Dovbyk in the treatment room. Moreover, the Roma manager cannot rely on star wing-back Wesley Franca, who must serve a one-game suspension after receiving a red card against Como in their last outing.
On the other hand, Lecce will undertake this trip without several first-team mainstays, including Medon Berisha, Francesco Camarda, and Kialonda Gaspar. Lassana Coulibaly sustained a thigh strain against Napoli, while Fiorentina loanee Riccardo Sottil is contending with a back injury.
Roma vs Lecce Potential Starting Lineups
Roma (3-4-2-1) Predicted XI: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Celik, Cristante, El Aynaoui, Tsimikas; Pisilli, Pellegrini; Malen.
Lecce (4-2-3-1) Predicted XI: Falcone; Veiga, Gabriel, Siebert, Gallo; Ramadani, Ngom; Pierotti, Gandelman, Banda; Stulic.
Roma vs Lecce Prediction
Despite numerous high-profile absences, an injury-hit Roma has no margin for error in this fixture. Gasperini’s side must secure all three points, and we anticipate them claiming a narrow victory against an opponent currently struggling for form.
Forecast: Roma Victory
