The Giallorossi have endured a terrible start to the season but narrowly beat city rivals Lazio 1-0 last Sunday - their first triumph since a 2-0 home win over Atalanta in round five.

That takes their grand total of wins to three, giving them 11 points and leaving them three points and one place above the relegation zone.

Spalletti hopes last week's win will kickstart their season ahead of Sunday's clash with Lecce.

"We have to continue winning," he said. "There are so many teams ahead of us. It is the time to go ahead of many of them; this will start at Lecce."

Midfielder Matteo Brighi echoed his coach's comments, as he too hopes the victory in the derby will serve as a pivotal moment in the campaign.

"There is euphoria after the derby win and we hope it is the turning point for us," he said.

"Now we just need to concentrate on winning to move back up the table."

The odds do seem against them, however, as Roma have not taken three points away from the Stadio Olimpico for almost six months now, with their last away win being a 3-0 victory at Sampdoria last May.

Added to that is the fact that promoted Lecce have not lost at home all term.

They lost 3-2 to Samp in Genoa last week, however, and have not taken maximum points since a 2-0 win over Cagliari in round five.

The Salentini will be wary of Roma due to their morale-boosting win, and defender Fabiano admitted he is expecting a tough afternoon at the Via Del Mare.

"Roma will want to build on the derby win and so we must look to limit the Giallorossi," said the Brazilian stopper.

"The table does not reflect their true value and it will not take much for them to rediscover their path."

A bonus for coach Mario Beretta is that he is in the fortunate position of having a near full squad to choose from this weekend, with only long-term absentees - goalkeeper Davide Petrachi and Brazilian full-back Angelo - certain to miss out again.

With regard to the Giallorossi, the only injury news of note concerns the return of Alberto Aquilani, who should be in line to make a comeback from a thigh injury which has seen him confined to the sidelines for about a month.

Spalletti can also welcome back David Pizarro from suspension, but he will be without Simone Perrotta who misses out due to the red card he picked up against Lazio.

Meanwhile, the presence of Max Tonetto, Marco Cassetti and Mirko Vucinic should add spice to the occasion.

The three ex-Lecce men will have the opportunity to do battle with their former club this weekend, with Vucinic in particular expected to be given the warmest welcome from the fans.

The Serbian left the club in 2006 when they were relegated to Serie B having made a total of 111 appearances. This will be his first return to the club in league action for Roma.