Stadio Via del Mare: Home of Lecce(credit:
Wikipedia)
Roma coach Vincenzo Montella has told his team they must keep their concentration for 90 minutes ahead of two crucial games.
The Giallorossi have won just one of their last six games to sit fifth in Serie A, five points behind city rivals Lazio in the final Champions League qualifying spot.
They visit Lecce this evening looking to close the gap and next week they will aim to overturn a 3-2 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Shakhtar Donetsk.
And Montella, who recently replaced Claudio Ranieri, admits they must cut out the late goals they have been conceding if they are to remain in the hunt this season.
He said: “We need to stay focused. We are growing and we still firmly believe that we can finish in the top four.
“We are aware that our game at Lecce and the one in Donetsk means a lot to our season. We simply cannot make any mistakes on Tuesday and we believe it is possible to qualify.
“However, if we don't get a win (against Lecce), I believe there would still be time to make amends in Serie A.”
He added: “The numbers say that we have conceded 24 goals in the last half-hour of our games.
“If we are the worst defence in the last half-hour, there must be a reason for it and that is simply a dip in concentration.”
Roma travel to Lecce on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Parma, while Lecce settled for a 2-2 draw against fellow strugglers Brescia last time out.
Watch Lecce v Roma live at 365, kicking off at 19.45 GMT.