Paulo Dybala marked his triumphant return in a thrilling Roma victory that unfolded in the most dramatic fashion. Romelu Lukaku, despite missing a penalty, found redemption with two stoppage-time goals alongside Sardar Azmoun, securing a remarkable turnaround against Lecce.
Dybala, after a month-long absence, made his highly anticipated return to the pitch. The Roman squad, however, was still grappling with injuries and absences, including key players such as Leonardo Spinazzola, Chris Smalling, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Tammy Abraham, and Marash Kumbulla. Leandro Paredes was notably suspended. In contrast, Lecce had experienced a rough patch, accumulating a mere two points from five rounds and suffering a midweek exit from the Coppa Italia against Parma.
The match ignited with a flurry of action, as Dybala’s shot in the opening minute was deflected by Federico Baschirotto’s fingertips. Following a VAR on-field review, a penalty was awarded to Roma. Lukaku, who had converted 14 consecutive spot-kicks in Italy, stepped up but shockingly failed to score, with Wladimiro Falcone blocking the central effort with his legs.
Falcone displayed his goalkeeping prowess again, making a remarkable one-handed save to deny Houssem Aouar’s curling right-footed shot destined for the far bottom corner.
Dybala, showing no signs of rust, unleashed two dangerous volleys in quick succession. The first was blocked, while the second narrowly missed the near post.
Nikola Krstovic’s attempt from 12 yards had its sting neutralized by a deflection off Diego Llorente, landing safely in the arms of Rui Patricio. Lameck Banda’s penalty appeals were dismissed as Llorente’s slight touch to the ball was acknowledged.
The second half continued the end-to-end action, with Marin Pongracic stealing the ball from Aouar and testing Rui Patricio at the near post. Stephan El Shaarawy combined with Lukaku, forcing Falcone to save with his foot.
Krstovic broke free and surged past three defenders, but Evan Ndicka made a crucial block. Aouar’s cross-shot skimmed Lukaku’s head, and Gianluca Mancini headed wide from a Dybala corner.
It was Lecce that broke the deadlock on the counter-attack, with Banda surging down the left, evading Mancini and Llorente, and delivering a precise pass to Pontus Almqvist, who calmly slotted the ball in from 12 yards.
Roma relentlessly pressed forward, and in stoppage time, their efforts were rewarded. Nicola Zalewski’s cross, sailing over Andrea Belotti, met the head of Sardar Azmoun, who scored his first goal in the Giallorossi jersey.
The drama continued as Dybala threaded a pass through the center, and Lukaku showcased his strength by turning a defender, grounding another, and firing in the winning goal from eight yards. The home crowd erupted in jubilation as Roma secured a dramatic victory.
