Roma vs. Lecce – Preview, Prediction, Team news, Lineups – Football News, Previews, Predictions, Transfers

Still lingering in mid-table following a recent loss, AS Roma is gearing up to rejuvenate their Serie A campaign as they prepare to face Lecce at the Stadio Olimpico this Sunday evening.

The Giallorossi narrowly missed out on victory against Inter Milan in their last outing, leaving them just one point ahead of Lecce, who are struggling with poor form.

Match Preview:

In their latest encounter with Inter, Roma found themselves on the wrong side of the result at San Siro, with Marcus Thuram’s 81st-minute goal sealing their fourth Serie A defeat of the season.

Lukaku’s goal-scoring spree had previously propelled Roma up the rankings with a five-game winning streak across all competitions, including a 2-0 victory over Europa League opponents Slavia Prague, whom Mourinho’s team will meet again in the upcoming week.

Having secured maximum points from their last three home league matches, with clean sheets in each game, Roma should be brimming with confidence as they return to the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.

Moreover, Roma has an impressive track record against Lecce, winning 82% of their meetings in Rome, losing only once in the process.

In stark contrast to their Sunday hosts, Lecce started the 2023-24 season on a high note, but their promising start has faded away, leaving them with a bitter autumn season.

After remaining unbeaten in their initial five Serie A matches, Lecce has suffered three losses in their last five matches and drawn the other two.

Roberto D’Aversa began his tenure at Via del Mare brightly, but recent losses at home, including one against his former club Parma in the Coppa Italia, have raised concerns.

Their recent exit from the cup competition, following a 4-2 defeat with two late goals in the second half, has pushed Lecce into the lower half of the league table.

With upcoming matches against Roma and Milan, it’s not getting any easier for D’Aversa, but his team has drawn three of their four away matches this season and enters the capital city with hopes of securing at least one point.

Roma Serie A Form: D L W W W L

Roma Form (All Competitions): W W W W W L

Lecce Serie A Form: W L L D D L

Lecce Form (All Competitions): L L D D L L

Team News:

Roma, despite enjoying a rare midweek break, continues to suffer from player absences as they approach a demanding period, culminating in the Derby della Capitale next week.

Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is nearing a return from a muscular injury but is more likely to feature against Slavia Prague on Thursday, ahead of the crucial derby against Lazio. In contrast, midfielder Leandro Paredes will be absent due to suspension.

Leonardo Spinazzola may join long-term absentees Marash Kumbulla and Tammy Abraham on the injury list, and Chris Smalling’s recovery has been plagued by setbacks.

However, there is good news for Jose Mourinho, as Paulo Dybala, who has an impressive goal-scoring record against Lecce, is expected to partner with Romelu Lukaku in the forward line, and Renato Sanches is set to make his return after a six-week absence.

Lecce will be without Kastriot Dermaku once again, but Roberto D’Aversa will have his best side available on Sunday after making several changes in the midweek match.

Forwards Roberto Piccoli and Gabriel Strefezza, who both scored in Lecce’s recent comeback against Parma, will be vying for a place in the starting lineup.

If selected, Piccoli will replace Montenegrin striker Nikola Krstovic in the center of the attack.

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Roma:

• Patricio;
• Mancini, Llorente, Ndicka;
• Kristensen, Bove, Cristante, Aouar, Zalewski;
• Dybala, Lukaku

Lecce:

• Falcone;
• Gendrey, Baschirotto, Pongracic, Gallo;
• Kaba, Ramadani, Rafia;
• Almqvist, Krstovic, Strefezza

Prediction:

Since their setback against Genoa in September, Roma has shown their prowess against teams of similar stature.

Considering Lecce’s fading form, it’s unlikely they will secure only their second Serie A win against the Giallorossi on Roman soil.

• Our prediction: Roma 1-0 Lecce