While it may be too soon for champagne wishes and Scudetto dreams, last week's 4-0 rout of Fiorentina provided a glimpse of Roma at its peak. Thanks to standout performances from Paulo Dybala (three assists) and Donyell Malen (three goals), not to mention a suffocating defensive effort from the backline, the Giallorossi looked like instant title contenders.
And since last Monday's thrilling victory, Roma has bolstered their ranks by adding Gian Piero Gasperini favorite Martin de Roon, who signed a one-year deal after a decade with Atalanta, and former Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi. With deadline day looming and a handful of intriguing names connected with a move to the Italian capital, Roma may have what it takes to become bona fide title contenders.
However, as we cautioned in our match preview, sides like Lecce have been the proverbial thorn in Roma's side over the years, making three points imperative this afternoon. Roma has the horses to outrace Lecce, but a quick start would make the homestretch more bearable.
