AS Roma secured a significant 1-0 away win against Lecce in Serie A's second matchday, thanks to a goal from Donyell Malen after just four minutes. The strike allowed Gian Piero Gasperini's side to extend their positive run and solidify seventh place in the standings, as reported by Sky Sport IT.
The victory comes as the team deals with several injuries, including Neil El Aynaoui, Devyne Rensch, and Lorenzo Pellegrini, all currently sidelined. The next challenge is a home fixture against Atalanta, ninth in the table, on September 5th. Fans can track the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
Who was the match-winner for Roma?
Donyell Malen was the man of the moment. His 4th-minute goal decided the match and etched his name into club history. With this strike, Malen reached 4 goals in just two league matches. The last Roma player to achieve a similar feat was Vincenzo Montella in the 2004/05 season. Malen is currently Serie A's top scorer.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini praised other attacking players. "Soulé and Dybala did some very good things," the coach said after the match. The team showed defensive solidity, keeping a clean sheet for the nineteenth time in their last league games.
How did Roma's defense perform?
The backline faced a setback even before kick-off, with Evan Ndicka injured during the warm-up and replaced by Filippo Ghilardi. Despite this hiccup, Roma maintained exemplary concentration, conceding very few chances from Lecce. Their unbeaten league run has now stretched to six consecutive victories.
Gasperini's team has also surpassed 2300 completed passes in the opponent's final third since the start of last season, a stat highlighting their proactive possession. To monitor all the team's statistics, our dedicated stats page is available.
What negative records does Lecce hold?
Yesterday's defeat confirms a historical difficulty for the Salentini against Roma. Lecce has lost 28 of the 40 Serie A matches played against the Giallorossi. Specifically, in home games, the Pugliese side has won only once in 20 attempts. Another significant stat concerns manager Eusebio Di Francesco, a former Roma man, who has never beaten his old team in 16 encounters as a Serie A coach.
Di Francesco's team struggles immensely when conceding first. Their last comeback victory dates back to January 31, 2025, against Parma. Furthermore, attacker Lassana Coulibaly, who has provided two assists against Roma in the past, could not be decisive this time.
What does this win mean for the season?
The win at Lecce allows Roma to remain three points behind league leaders Inter. With 4 goals scored and 0 conceded, their goal difference stands at +4. Gasperini also mentioned the playing conditions, stating, "Undoubtedly, playing in this climate affects everyone."
The team now looks ahead, aiming to continue fighting for top positions. The injury situation, which can be checked on the injuries section, remains an aspect to monitor. The solidity shown in these first two matchdays, combined with Malen's prolific form, provides an excellent foundation for the rest of the campaign.
