Against relegation-threatened Lecce, crisis-ridden Roma landed the long-awaited blow. Joker Vaz redeemed the home side with a header. Assisted by Hermoso, his save on the line ensured that the goal was enough for the first win since the end of February.
On Sunday evening, Roma had to show a reaction in two respects. Firstly, after three consecutive league games without a win (one point), which meant the Giallorossi had to drop out of the coveted Champions League places. On the other hand, the team’s elimination in the round of 16 of the Europa League in the domestic clash with Bologna. Gian Piero Gasperini made four changes from the second leg, which was only decided in extra time: El Aynaoui, Tsimikas, Rensch and Pellegrini were new to the starting eleven.
Roma lead doesn’t count
Roma immediately piled on the pressure against the relegation-threatened visitors, but Malen fired the ball over the bar with a side-footed shot (5′). The ex-Dortmund player also had the next chance, but again his effort flew over. Lecce keeper Falcone was called into action for the first time in the 21st minute, when Pellegrini shot straight at Mancini’s cross and Falcone closed his legs just in time.
On Sunday evening, Roma had to show a reaction in two respects. Firstly, after three consecutive league games without a win (one point), which meant that the Giallorossi had to drop out of the coveted Champions League places. On the other hand, the team’s elimination in the round of 16 of the Europa League in the domestic clash with Bologna. Gian Piero Gasperini made four changes from the second leg, which was only decided in extra time: El Aynaoui, Tsimikas, Rensch and Pellegrini were new to the starting eleven.
Roma lead doesn’t count
Roma immediately piled on the pressure against the relegation-threatened visitors, but Malen fired the ball over the bar with a side-footed shot (5′). The ex-Dortmund player also had the next chance, but again his effort flew over. Lecce keeper Falcone was called into action for the first time in the 21st minute, when Pellegrini shot straight at Mancini’s cross and Falcone closed his legs just in time.
As both Arena and Ndicka, who was probably offside, missed a double chance to equalize in the 85th minute, Roma had to tremble until the end to get the equalizer. However, as Lecce were no longer able to create any real danger in front of the box, it remained a hard-fought victory – the first for the Giallorossi since the end of February.
After the two-week international break, Roma will travel away to leaders Inter on Sunday, April 5 (8.45pm). Roma will need a clear improvement in performance in Milan if they are to be able to add another three points to their tally in the battle for the Champions League places. The following day (6pm), Lecce host Atalanta.
