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Lecce vs Roma: Man of the Match

It’s not often we say this, but the defense was more impressive than the attack in this one.

US Lecce v AS Roma - Serie A Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

Roma was able to bounce back from its midweek defeat to secure maximum points in Lecce. It wasn’t the most impressive display from the Giallorossi against Lecce, especially in attack. However, there were a few players who did just a bit more to ensure that the Giallorossi came away with the three points. Which one should be named the CdT Man of the Match? You tell us.

The Candidates

Chris Smalling

US Lecce v AS Roma - Serie A Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

After putting in a strong shift in his Roma debut on Wednesday, the Englishman again stood out today. Smalling put in a top notch performance completing 92% of his passes, while winning seven aerial duels. Additionally, he had five clearances, two tackles, two interceptions, and two blocked shots. You’d be hard pressed to see him put a foot wrong in this one. So far, he’s looking like a nice pick up by Petrachi.

Gianluca Mancini

Roma v Istanbul Basaksehir - UEFA Europa League Photo by Silvia Lore/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Mancini partnered Smalling well, giving us a possible look at Roma’s top center back pairing going forward. The Italian converted an impressive 81 passes, which equated to a 97.5% completion percentage. On the defensive side of the ball, Mancini had four tackles, four clearances, two interceptions, and two blocks. He was also unlucky not to open the scoring when his strong goal-ward header was cleared away by a Lecce defender. The young Italian looks better and better by the week.

Edin Dzeko

US Lecce v AS Roma - Serie A Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

Dzeko continues to find the back of the net, justifying his contract renewal in the capital. His goal today turned out to be the winner, as the Giallorossi surprisingly struggled to score. He also drew a penalty kick, which the usually reliable Kolarov was unable to convert. Dzeko worked hard winning four aerial duels, including one to clear out a late Lecce set piece. The Bosnian continues to be vital in the young season.

Poll

Who was Roma’s Man of the Match against Lecce?

This poll is closed

  • 58%
    Smalling
    (349 votes)
  • 9%
    Mancini
    (59 votes)
  • 20%
    Dzeko
    (122 votes)
  • 10%
    other
    (62 votes)
592 votes total Vote Now