Roma 2-1 Lecce: Chris Smalling and Paulo Dybala score as Jose Mourinho's side go fifth in Serie A

Roma beat 10-man Lecce 2-1 to go fifth in Serie A, just four points off top spot. Chris Smalling continued his recent heroics when he gave Roma the lead after just six minutes. An excellent Lorenzo Pellegrini cross found Smalling waiting in the air to head home.

Ad Lecce lost captain Morten Hjulmand 15 minutes later to a red card for a studs-up challenge which left Andrea Belotti writhing in pain. The challenge was initially deemed only a foul, but VAR upgraded it to a red. Europa LeagueRoma ‘didn’t deserve to lose’ against Betis — Mourinho06/10/2022 AT 21:45 Roma battered the visitors after that but couldn’t extend their lead.

In the 39th minute, Lecce got an unexpected equaliser when Gabriel Strefezza scrambled home a loose ball after a short-corner routine. Jose Mourinho introduced Tammy Abraham at half-time and the England striker won a penalty within a minute of coming on. Serie A table Serie A fixtures / results Serie A top scorers Paulo Dybala converted the spot-kick to restore Roma’s lead, but suffered a thigh injury in doing so and had to be withdrawn.

Lecce defended desperately and countered gamely, but Roma were never really threatened and held on for a comfortable victory. More to follow. Europa LeagueHenrique header gives Betis dramatic late win over Roma and control of Group C06/10/2022 AT 18:30 Serie ASmalling grabs late winner as Roma come from behind to beat Inter01/10/2022 AT 15:20