Key Highlights
- Gian Piero Gasperini faces a defensive emergency as Roma prepare to face Lecce.
- Lecce is coming off an impressive 1-1 draw against Juventus.
- Roma will likely field a makeshift back three due to injuries and suspensions.
- Kick-off for the match is at 17.00 GMT on Tuesday, January 5, 2026.
Defensive Emergency: Gasperini’s Roma Face Lecce in Serie A
Gian Piero Gasperini is currently grappling with a significant defensive crisis as his Roma squad prepares to face Lecce on Tuesday evening. The stakes are high, given that this match falls within the span of a full 10-match Serie A gameweek.
Background and Context
The upcoming fixture will see a total of nine matches played over three evenings, starting with Pisa vs. Como on Tuesday afternoon and concluding with Milan vs. Genoa on Thursday night. This tightly packed schedule adds an extra layer of complexity to Gasperini’s preparations.
Lecce: A Team on the Rise
While Roma faces a series of challenges, Lecce has been making waves recently. The team is coming off a 1-1 draw away against Juventus in their last match. This result suggests that Eusebio Di Francesco’s side are not only resilient but also capable of taking points from top-tier opposition.
For the starting line-up, Di Francesco may opt to maintain his current formation and personnel, with Francesco Camarda potentially leading the attack alongside a combination of Santiago Pierotti, Konan N’Dri, Lameck Banda, or Riccardo Sottil. The tactical flexibility seen in their recent matches will be crucial as they aim for another strong performance.
Roma: Challenges and Replacements
Gasperini’s side are facing a daunting task with the absence of three key players from his first-choice back three. Evan Ndicka is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso will miss due to suspension. This scenario necessitates a quick adaptation by Roma, as they prepare for what could be a formidable challenge.
The makeshift defence will likely see Daniele Ghilardi, Jan Ziolkowski, and Devyne Rensch forming the new back line.
Artem Dovbyk’s injury status means there may be an opportunity for Evan Ferguson to start at centre-forward. Paulo Dybala might also get a rest as Roma seeks to bounce back from their recent 1-0 loss to Atalanta.
Where and When: Kick-off on Tuesday, January 5, 2026
Kick-off for the Lecce vs. Roma match is scheduled for 17:00 GMT on Tuesday, January 5, 2026. Fans in the UK can watch live coverage on DAZN, while supporters in the USA will have the option to follow via Paramount+.
Join us for all the pre-match build-up and post-match reactions on the Football Italia Liveblog.
The match promises to be a pivotal one in both teams’ respective seasons. With Roma needing to respond after their recent defeat and Lecce looking to maintain momentum, fans are encouraged to tune in for an exciting encounter that could shape the Serie A standings.
