Fiorentina midfielder Brescianini praises Gasperini ahead of Roma clash

Donyell Malen featured in the Netherlands' opening World Cup match against Japan, which ended in a disappointing draw. Dutch supporters on social media were split in their assessment of the Roma forward's performance and coach Ronald Koeman's management of the game. Many fans criticized Koeman's substitution of Malen, arguing that removing him removed a key outlet for counterattacking play. One supporter wrote: "Leave him alone, damn it. He's quick on the counter. It's a terrible substitution. Depay no longer has that spark. I really don't understand." Others echoed similar frustration, with fans noting that replacing Malen, Summerville, and Gakpo with players lacking defensive depth was a strategic error. However, not all criticism was directed at Koeman. Some Dutch supporters pointed to Malen's individual play as a problem, arguing he was too focused on creating chances alone rather than playing within the team structure. One fan commented: "I hope Malen remembers he plays in a team." Others suggested starting the match with Malen as a substitute rather than in the XI, or questioned his overall approach to play as too individualistic. Despite the mixed reception, Malen remains a key part of the Dutch attacking options. The Netherlands face Sweden in their next World Cup match on June 20, a fixture that will be vital for progression in the tournament.

Donyell Malen started for the Netherlands against Japan in what appeared to be an international fixture, playing nearly seventy minutes and coming close to scoring on multiple occasions. The Roma forward created a chance for himself within three minutes of kick-off but was denied by goalkeeper Suzuki. At the half-hour mark, Malen rose high for a header between Taniguchi and Doan, only for Suzuki to make another sharp save. He remained a threat in the opening period with additional heading chances before fading in the second half. The Netherlands took the lead through Van Dijk, but Japan equalized via Nakamura before Summerville restored the Dutch advantage. Summerville scored again to extend the lead, and Japan pulled level once more through Kamada, ending the match at 2–2. Malen was substituted after approximately seventy minutes, with Depay entering the field. The performance marks a positive outing for the Roma attacker despite his inability to find the net. Malen will have further opportunities to score as the tournament continues, with upcoming fixtures against Sweden and Tunisia mentioned as part of the group stage schedule.

Germany delivered a dominant performance in their World Cup Group E opener, defeating Curaçao 7–1. After a shaky start in which Curaçao's Comenencia equalized an early goal by Nmecha, Germany took control. Schlottenberg restored the lead before half-time, and Havertz converted a penalty to make it 3–1 at the interval. The Arsenal forward completed a brace in the 88th minute, with additional goals from Musiala and Undav sealing a commanding victory for Julian Nagelsmann's side. Germany's Group E also includes Ivory Coast and Ecuador. AS Roma midfielder Wesley was spotted relaxing at sea near Ponza following his disappointment at the World Cup, suggesting he is taking time away from competition after the tournament. Meanwhile, Roma's transfer activity continues to develop around players linked with moves away from the club, including Matías Soulé, who is reportedly attracting interest from Fenerbahçe.