Roma’s 15 shots and four goals overwhelm Lecce at Via del Mare

AS Roma beat Lecce 4-0 at Via del Mare on Monday, securing a convincing Serie A victory after leading 3-0 at half-time. Donyell Malen scored twice in the opening 23 minutes, while Matias Soule and R. Mora also found the net as Roma controlled the match from the start.

Roma establish early control

The decisive spell began in the fourth minute, when Malen put Roma ahead with a normal goal. He doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute, with Wesley Franca providing the assist. Just two minutes later, Soule added Roma’s third goal, leaving Lecce with a substantial deficit before the interval.

Malen was booked in the ninth minute, shortly after his first goal, while Lecce’s I. Ilic received the only other yellow card in the 90th minute. The visitors made their first changes in the second half, replacing Wesley Franca and Soule with N. Molina and R. Mora in the 60th minute. R. Mora later completed the scoring in the 65th minute, assisted by Gianluca Mancini. M. Kone was replaced by N. Pisilli two minutes later.

Possession and chances favour the visitors

Roma’s superiority was reflected in the main statistics. They held 65% possession, completed 668 passes at an 88% accuracy rate and attempted 15 shots, including 10 from inside the box. Lecce managed 35% possession, 358 passes and seven shots, with only three on target. Roma also recorded eight shots on goal compared with Lecce’s three.

The numbers broadly matched the scoreline rather than contradicting it: Roma’s expected-goals figure was 3.25 against Lecce’s 0.74. The hosts did have two corners to Roma’s one, but that small advantage did not lead to a sustained attacking response. Roma’s nine offsides were a notable detail, yet their greater volume and accuracy in possession kept them in control. Lecce’s goalkeeper made four saves, while Roma’s made two.

Standout performers and league position

Mario Hermoso was the highest-rated player, earning an 8.2 rating after 93 minutes and making six tackles. Paulo Dybala also received an 8.2 rating, contributing three key passes and one shot on target. Malen’s two goals and three shots on target earned him a 7.5 rating in 67 minutes.

In the supplied Serie A standings for the current round, Roma are seventh with three points from one game and a goal difference of four, while Lecce are eighth with three points from one game and a goal difference of two. Both teams had entered the match after a win; Roma now leave with a four-goal victory, while Lecce must absorb a heavy defeat.