Donyell Malen fired AS Roma to the top of Serie A with a brace in a 4-0 away win at Lecce. Gian Piero Gasperini's side completed a perfect second matchday, sitting first with 6 points, 8 goals scored and 0 conceded, according to verified data as of September 3, 2026.

The victory at the Via del Mare, reported by www.thescore.com, follows the 4-0 home win against Fiorentina last week, where Malen had scored a hat-trick. The Dutch forward, who joined from Aston Villa in January, opened the scoring early and added a second in the 24th minute, putting the game to bed quickly. Matias Soulé netted the third goal in the 25th minute, while new Portuguese arrival Rodrigo Mora, just 19 years old, sealed the deal just after the hour mark.

How decisive is Donyell Malen?

Donyell Malen is in extraordinary form. With his two goals against Lecce, his personal Serie A tally for the Giallorossi has risen to 19 goals in just 20 appearances. An impressive rate that confirms him as the most dangerous man in Roma's attack. Gasperini substituted him in the second half, managing his energy ahead of a busy schedule and the budget constraints that require a modest squad.

The manager described the performances against Fiorentina and Lecce as "top calibre". Malen is not just a finisher, but a constant threat that pins back opposing defences and creates space for his teammates. His explosion perfectly coincides with Roma's start to the season, who can rely on a prolific attack and a defence yet to be breached. To follow the updated statistics of all players, check our stats page.

What does the standings look like after two rounds?

The win at Lecce propels AS Roma to the top of the table with a full haul of 6 points. Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, and Lazio have also collected six points after two games, creating a very tight leading pack. On Monday evening, the final match of the second round between Atalanta and Bologna was played, a clash that could have reshaped the standings.

The Giallorossi currently boast the best goal difference in the league (+8), the result of two convincing performances both offensively and defensively. This solid start is an excellent calling card for the upcoming challenge against Atalanta, scheduled for September 5th at the Olimpico. You can check all upcoming fixtures on our fixtures calendar.

What to expect from the next match?

The midweek round immediately brings a top-level test: Roma will host Atalanta on Friday, September 5th. The Bergamo side, at the time of writing, occupy fifth place, making the direct clash for the summit even more significant. It will be the first real home test for Gasperini and his team after two comprehensive victories.

The match will require maximum concentration, also because the September schedule is packed with commitments. Player management, as demonstrated by Malen's early substitution at Lecce, will be key. The team will need to show they have maintained the same pace and effectiveness displayed in the first two outings. To know the updated squad situation, visit the squad page.

The match against Atalanta will be played at the Stadio Olimpico on September 5, 2026.