ROME (Interstat) — A solitary second-half strike from forward Robinio Vaz delivered AS Roma a narrow 1-0 victory over Lecce in a Serie A match Sunday at Stadio Olimpico.

In a contest defined more by defensive discipline than attacking flair, the home side secured three points to begin its league campaign, while Lecce departed the capital empty-handed.

The match, played on March 22, 2026, saw both teams struggle to create clear chances in a tense and physical first half. Roma, heavily favored entering the match, controlled possession but found it difficult to break down a compact and organized Lecce defense. The visitors offered little threat going forward, focusing their efforts on maintaining a solid shape and frustrating the home side’s attackers.

The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute. Following a period of sustained pressure, Roma finally pierced Lecce’s back line. Robinio Vaz found space inside the penalty area and finished clinically to break the deadlock, sending the majority of the crowd at the iconic stadium into celebration. The goal stood as the game’s only major offensive highlight.

Lecce, forced to chase the game after conceding, showed slightly more ambition but rarely tested the Roma goalkeeper. Their frustration grew as the match entered its final stages, leading to a flurry of yellow cards. The physical tone intensified with four cautions issued between the 77th and 90th minutes. Lecce’s Angeliño was booked first, followed by teammate Santiago Pierotti. Roma’s Niccolò Pisilli and Lecce’s Danilo Veiga also saw yellow in quick succession as the match grew increasingly fractious.

The final whistle confirmed a winning start for Roma under the Serie A standings. The club begins its season with a victory, while Lecce opens with a defeat. The result aligned with pre-match projections, though the margin was slimmer than some forecasts. Statistical models had predicted a more comfortable Roma win.

The single goal proved sufficient for the hosts, who managed the game professionally after taking the lead. The victory provides a foundation for Roma’s ambitions this season, while Lecce will look to regroup after a defensively stout but ultimately fruitless performance on the road.