Gasperini forced into late Roma change, explains new choices
Quick summary
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini was compelled to make a late alteration to his plans, and has publicly explained the reasoning behind the new selection choices ahead of the match.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceGian Piero Gasperini is forced into a last-minute Roma change against Lecce by the Evan Ndicka injury and explains his choice of Matias Soulé.
It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atalanta vs. Bologna on the Liveblog.
The Giallorossi crushed Fiorentina 4-0 last week with a Donyell Malen hat-trick, all of them set up for him by Paulo Dybala assists.
Gasperini makes two Roma changes NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 04: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Newport County and AS Roma at Rodney Parade on August 04, 2026 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) “Undoubtedly, playing in these conditions will affect both teams. We’re at the limits, but that’s inevitable at this time of year,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia and DAZN Italia.
“It is an anomalous level of heat and humidity, we hope it won’t damage the performance too much for these fans. It is a tough place to play for everyone, we need a good game today.”
They were forced into a change during the warm-up, as Ndicka sustained an adductor issue, so Daniele Ghilardi stepped in, with Gianluca Mancini taking the central role in the three-man defence.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Evan Ndicka of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Bryan Cristante during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Although they have been bringing in several new players, none of them are in the starting XI this evening, as Matias Soulé is chosen ahead of Rodrigo Mora, despite having some issues sharing the spaces with Dybala last season.
“They did some good things together in the past, so it all depends on the game. Seeing as both were out for a long time last season, we didn’t really get much of an opportunity to play them together that regularly,” shrugged the coach.
“With this heat, we need to focus on those in good physical shape. Lulli and Soulé were with us throughout the summer for training, in modern football you need 16 players and not just the starting XI.”
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammate Matias Soule during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon are also on the bench today, while Robinio Vaz has left for Hull City, Neil El Aynaoui to RB Leipzig, and Jan Ziolkowski officially completed his loan to Monza with option to buy for €18m.
Roma are still seeking an attacking winger, with offers on the table reportedly for both Jamie Leweling of VfB Stuttgart and Zenit St. Petersburg man Luiz Henrique.
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What happened
Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of AS Roma, revealed he was forced into a late change to his intended lineup and outlined the rationale behind his revised selections. The Italian tactician, who took charge of Roma in the summer, was unable to deploy his preferred option and adapted accordingly. The specifics of the forced change appear linked to an unexpected availability issue, with Gasperini using his media duties to clarify the situation and the players stepping in. The adjustments could shape Roma's approach in their upcoming fixture.
Chance analysis
Gasperini's admission of a forced change highlights the kind of late disruption that often defines a matchweek for Serie A sides juggling domestic and European demands. Roma, still in the early phase of the Gasperini era, are being shaped around his pressing-oriented identity, so any forced deviation from his preferred structure carries tactical weight. The coach's willingness to publicly explain the reasoning suggests the change is significant enough that he felt it necessary to set the narrative, rather than let speculation fill the gap. For Roma supporters, the focus now shifts to whether the new selection can deliver the same balance Gasperini had originally planned.
Roma's starting XI and tactical shape for the upcoming match are altered, with at least one forced change from Gasperini's original plan.