A recent managerial change at AS Roma has yet to yield positive results. With their supporters, the Romans are compelled to secure their first victory since the manager's return against Lecce, who have notable issues in defence.
The dismissal of Ivan Jurić had been imminent since the start of October, as AS Roma struggled with their transitional play. While Claudio Ranieri hasn't instantly solidified the team's defence, the Romans have started to demonstrate character. They snatched a draw in the Europa League against Tottenham Hotspur (2:2), generating 2.29 xG. On Monday against an in-form Atalanta (0:2), AS Roma were unfortunate with their finishing, despite containing one of the world's best attacks — the Bergamo side benefited from deflections in their goals.
In the last three rounds, Lecce have stabilised their position in the Serie A table, picking up five points. They are the league's worst performers in attack by far (7 goals in 14 matches), and only five teams have conceded more than their 22 goals. Marco Giampaolo managed to hold Juventus to a draw at home (1:1) despite missing five injured players, but replicating such a feat in Rome seems unlikely.
Since Lecce's return to Serie A, AS Roma have won all three home head-to-head encounters (3:1, 2:1, and 2:1). We trust in Claudio Ranieri's experience and back a home win.
