Roma face defensive crisis for Lecce as Mancini & Hermoso face ban | OneFootball

Roma are heading toward a defensive emergency ahead of their trip to Lecce after Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso were both booked during the first half against Atalanta, triggering automatic suspensions.

The incident occurred during a tense closing phase of the opening period, already marked by controversy following Giorgio Scalvini’s opener and a disallowed Atalanta goal.

Referee Fabbri’s decisions came under scrutiny again when Mancini was shown a yellow card for a late challenge from behind, despite initial confusion that the booking had been intended for Bryan Cristante.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma celebrates victory after the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on October 26, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

That detail proved decisive. Mancini was already on a booking warning, meaning the caution rules him out of the next Serie A fixture, alongside Hermoso, who was also booked and will serve a one-match ban. Cristante, who was also walking a disciplinary tightrope, ultimately avoided punishment.

Roma coach Gasperini faces defensive crisis for trip to Lecce

The suspensions significantly complicate matters for Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who is already without Evan Ndicka due to his involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.

As a result, Roma will be forced to face Lecce without their entire first-choice back three.

That leaves Gasperini with limited alternatives.

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 27: Jan Ziolkowski and his mate Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma in action during the warm up before the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between AS Roma and FC Midtjylland at Stadio Olimpico on November 27, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Young defender Jan Ziolkowski is available, as is former Verona centre-back Daniele Ghilardi, who has played just 23 league minutes so far this season.

Other options include adapting players such as Zeki Çelik, Rick Karsdorp or Cristante himself into central roles, despite none being natural centre-backs.