Serie A line-ups: Roma vs. Lecce
Serie A line-ups: Roma vs. Lecce
Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy make an unorthodox strike partnership for Roma, as Claudio Ranieri seeks his first win against revitalised Lecce.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Juventus-Bologna on the Liveblog.
Ranieri has had a difficult time since becoming Roma’s third coach of the season, their fourth of 2024, as he has overseen two Serie A defeats to Napoli and Atalanta, around a thrilling 2-2 Europa League draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
He has an added problem this evening, because Artem Dovbyk has flu symptoms and is not even on the bench, while Bryan Cristante has a muscular issue.
El Shaarawy is therefore moved to a pure attacking role alongside Alexis Saelemaekers, supporting Dybala as a False 9.
Nicolò Pisilli returns from suspension, but is only on the bench.
epa11752632 Lecce’s Ante Rebic (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring the late 1-1 equaliser goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between US Lecce and Juventus FC, in Lecce, Italy, 01 December 2024. EPA-EFE/ABBONDANZA SCURO LEZZI
Lecce are also under new management, but Marco Giampaolo has made a big difference so far, picking up a 1-0 victory away to Venezia and last-gasp 1-1 draw against Juventus.
Antonino Gallo, Lameck Banda, Balthazar Pierret, Nicola Sansone, Kevin Bonifazi, Filip Marchwinski and Jeppe Corfitzen did not make the trip.
Patrick Dorgu nonetheless remains in his more attacking role and Ante Rebic is given his first start of the season upfront with misfiring Nikola Krstovic.
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, N’Dicka; Celik, Koné, Paredes, Angelino; Saelemaekers, El Shaarawy; Dybala
Lecce: Falcone; Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Jean; Coulibaly, Ramadani, Rafia; Dorgu, Krstovic, Rebic
