Dybala scores from the spot but Roma drop points at Lecce
Fresh off the back of ending a four-game winless run with a victory over Cremonese, the hosts showed no signs of being intimidated by their Champions League spot-chasing opponents in the early stages.
Antonino Gallo forced Rui Patricio to tip his strike from distance over the bar, and from the corner, Federico Baschirotto’s header bounced off Roger Ibanez, who unknowingly deflected the ball into his own net to give Lecce hope of recording just a third win in 34 top-flight head-to-heads.
A response was to be expected from Roma, and Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone reacted well to thwart Stephan El Shaarawy from point-blank range soon after, but the feeling of minor elation from that heroic save was not to last long.
Gabriel Strefezza was penalised for handball from the resulting corner, allowing Paulo Dybala to step up and roll the ball into the bottom-right corner from 12 yards.
As well as representing his 28th conversion from 33 career penalties, it marked a 20th straight goalscoring Serie A head-to-head for Roma.
The hosts’ lead may have lasted less than 10 minutes, but Lecce could still consider themselves fortunate to go into half-time on level terms, after a couple of fine saves from Falcone before the break, with the reliable custodian denying Tammy Abraham on both occasions.
That set the scene for a tense second half, and the Lecce goalkeeper continued to frustrate Roma’s number nine after the restart, pushing a downward header from Abraham onto the post.
With chances becoming an increasingly-rare occurrence as the match wore on, Lorenzo Pellegrini signified Roma’s desperation when he sent a speculative long-range strike over the bar.
Following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Georginio Wijnaldum’s late substitute appearance would have been a pleasing sight for Roma fans, but the Dutchman was ultimately unable to inspire his side to a win.
With this battle of wolves ending level, Lecce currently sit in 14th place, while Roma creep up to third for the time being.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Wladimiro Falcone (Lecce)
