Roma dominated Lecce in yesterday’s 4-0 win at the Via del Mare, but the goals only tell part of the story. Here are four other key figures from the Giallorossi’s second consecutive dominant performance of the season.
19
As in the number of league goals Donyell Malen has scored in 20 matches since his arrival at Roma in January. That’s the second-best output for any striker through 20 matches in Serie A history. The only players who have scored more in a 20-match stretch to open their Serie A careers are Gunnar Nordahl (20 goals in 1949) and José Altafini (20, between 1958 and 1959).
2 & +4
As in that this is the first time in Roma’s history that they’ve started a Serie A campaign with consecutive wins by at least four goals. It’s been a flying start for Gasperini’s men.
8
As in the number of big chances created by Roma in the match. The Giallorossi could’ve easily had a few more goals in this one and kept Lecce under pressure throughout the match. It’s a big increase from the three big chances created last week in their matching 4-0 victory over Fiorentina. This kind of chance creation is a big indication that Gasperini-ball is in full swing.
72
As in the number of recoveries by the Giallorossi—led by 11 from Mario Hermoso. Despite being in full control of the match from the jump, Roma didn’t turn off defensively. In fact, the Giallorossi were relentless by out-recovering Lecce 72-49. Additionally, the Giallorossi won 62% of ground duels and 67% of aerial duels—completely suffocating Lecce’s attack.
