Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen kicked off AS Roma's season with a dream performance against Fiorentina. The pair combined for three goals, propelling the Giallorossi to the top of the Serie A table with 3 points and a perfect +4 goal difference.
As reported by ANSA Sport, Dybala provided all three assists for Malen's goals. The Dutch forward's Serie A debut was historic: a hat-trick not seen for ten years, since Carlos Bacca's feat against Torino in the 2016/17 season. This explosion has led fans online to compare the duo to the legendary Batistuta-Totti pairing.
How effective is the Malen-Dybala partnership?
The numbers are clear. Malen and Dybala have shared the pitch only seven times, for a total of 481 minutes. On those occasions, the Dutch attacker has scored 7 goals. Six of these came from a decisive pass by Dybala, while one was a penalty. The partnership has proven immediately lethal.
Since arriving in Rome, Malen has netted 18 goals in 21 total appearances. In Serie A, his tally is 17 goals in just 19 matches. In 2026, he is Europe's second-top scorer by games-to-goals ratio, a record he shares only with Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, who has 17 goals in 16 Bundesliga games. The attack is completed by Matías Soulé, José Luis Mora and Agustín Castro, but the department still seems to lack an offensive winger.
What did Gasperini say after the match?
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini did not hide his satisfaction. After the game he defined Dybala as 'la bestia' (the beast), a nickname replacing the more elegant 'Joya'. "E' un disco rotto questo...", Gasperini commented, likely referring to the continuous praise for his number ten. The coach has also banned the word 'scudetto' at Trigoria, trying to keep feet on the ground despite the enthusiasm.
The team now looks ahead to the next away fixture against Lecce, currently fourth in the table, as seen on our standings. Malen, the season's top scorer with 3 goals in 1 appearance, will be the man to stop. All upcoming fixtures are available on our fixtures.
What transfer business remains?
The club has one week to close the transfer market. Defender Oosterwalde has already arrived from Fenerbahce on an expensive loan costing one million euros, with a buy-option set at 15 million that becomes an obligation after his 20th appearance of at least 45 minutes. A backup for striker Wesley has also been added.
The real target, however, is a centre-forward. The name at the top of the list is Fofana. Roma already has the player's 'yes', but the French club is holding back the deal. It might be necessary to wait until the transfer deadline to convince them. If this deal goes through, the squad would have filled all the missing roles. The current roster can be viewed on our squad.
With a clear victory behind them and an attack in full form, Roma approaches the new season with momentum. Gasperini's work and the synergy between his top men have created an excellent starting point. Now the team must maintain this rhythm.
