Smalling and Dybala on target as Roma see off stubborn Lecce
The Giallorossi were in need of a response after losing to Real Betis in midweek, surrendering a lead in disappointing circumstances.
There appeared to be no such worries here though with the hosts racing into an early lead through Chris Smalling, rising highest to head home Lorenzo Pellegrini’s cross.
The former England centre-back nearly doubled his tally moments later, missing narrowly with an audacious flick.
Roma’s task appeared to get easier when Morten Hjulmand was dismissed for a terrible challenge on Andrea Belotti, eventually sent off after a VAR review.
Not deterred by being reduced to 10 men, Lecce grew into the contest and grabbed an unlikely equaliser. José Mourinho’s men failed to deal with a corner and Gabriel Strefezza was on hand to slide home, scoring for a third consecutive Serie A match.
Tammy Abraham was introduced for the second half and made an immediate impact, winning a penalty minutes after the restart.
He cleverly turned away from and was subsequently fouled by Kristoffer Askilden, leaving the referee with little chance but to point to the spot.
Dybala stepped up and dispatched his second 12-yarder in four days, but injured himself in the process, forced off after finding the net.
Roma never controlled the second half despite their numerical advantage, but were able to neutralise Lecce well enough to secure victory.
There were plenty of concerns for Mourinho though, with Andrea Belotti looking short of fitness and Dybala - who has now scored five goals in as many appearances - limping off. Regardless, the Giallrossi moved to within a point of the UEFA Champions League places, leaving Lecce perilously close to the drop zone.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma)
