Rome Rises: A Commanding Victory Against Lecce
Roma delivered a much-needed performance in a convincing 4-1 victory against Lecce. The win offered a glimpse of the team’s potential, showcasing their quality in midfield and the versatility of their attacking options.
Defender Chris Smalling was again an influential presence at the back, providing stability and leadership. His performance was particularly reassuring as it comes after some recent concerns about the defense. Alongside Smalling, Ndicka was consistently solid, displaying strength in both aerial and ground duels.
In midfield, Paredes dictated the tempo with ease, while Kone continued his impressive form with another powerful display. His relentless energy and technical skill were remarkable, adding a second goal to his tally for the season. The wide areas witnessed Piepers and Zalewski providing defensive solidity.
Attacker Dybala dropped deep, acting as a false nine and creating space for his teammates. His vision and creative passing were key to unlocking Lecce’s defense. Saelemaekers slotted in on the right wing, opening the scoring with an expertly taken goal and later adding a second, showcasing his clinical finishing. El Shaarawy’s impact was felt through his willingness to run at defenders, causing constant problems and providing two assists.
Coach Jose Mourinho will be pleased with this performance, not only for the result but also for the glimpses of a cohesive and exciting team.
After a difficult start to the season, Roma now have a foundation to build on. The head coach expressed his satisfaction: “The treatment is starting to take effect. Good things had already been seen in previous outings but this time the victory also arrived. Obviously the opponent was less complicated than last week’s terrible trio, but Roma won and convinced, scoring 4 goals (never happened this year) and showing a clear imprint. This must be the starting point for rebuilding a new championship. The head is already at Braga.”
The victory is a significant boost for the team as they look ahead to their upcoming Europa League campaign against Braga, aiming to build on this momentum.
What makes Chris Smalling such a valuable asset to Roma’s defense?
## Rome Rises: A Defensive Rock
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is football commentator, Marco Bianchi, to discuss Roma’s impressive 4-1 victory against Lecce. Marco, a dominant performance from the Giallorossi, what were your key takeaways?
**Marco Bianchi:** Absolutely, a much-needed win for Roma! While the midfield and attack were firing on all cylinders, I was particularly impressed by the defensive solidity they displayed. Chris Smalling continues to be a bedrock at the back, offering both experience and calming leadership.
**Interviewer:** Smalling has been a consistent performer for Roma, hasn’t he?
**Marco Bianchi:** Indeed! His move to Rome has been a resounding success. [[1](https://www.asroma.com/en/news/59691/timeline-the-chris-smalling-story-so-far)] He seamlessly integrated into the team, and his professionalism and work ethic have made him a fan favorite. He’s a natural leader, the kind of player who organizes the defense and inspires confidence in his teammates.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how important is Smalling’s presence for Roma’s continued success?
**Marco Bianchi:** Crucial, I would say. Roma’s ambitions for this season rest on a strong defense, and Smalling is central to that. His experience and composure, especially in big games, will be invaluable.
