Malen expresses satisfaction at Roma ahead of Parma clash

Donyell Malen has given an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, discussing his experience at Roma and his aspirations with the club. Malen expressed enthusiasm about his time at the Giallorossi, describing the atmosphere and environment as excellent. He stated his desire to win a trophy with Roma, balancing his ambitions at club level with his broader international football goals. The interview touches on both his immediate focus with Roma and his longer-term perspective in the sport.

Donyell Malen, AS Roma's forward, has come under scrutiny from Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman after failing to score in matches against Japan and Sweden at the World Cup. Koeman held a lengthy discussion with Malen during training and publicly addressed the situation in a press conference, stating: "Malen knows that he has missed opportunities." The coach acknowledged Malen's quality, adding: "He is an important player for us who can play both as a central striker and on the right." However, Malen risks being benched in the upcoming clash against Tunisia as Koeman favours Summerville on the wing and Brobbey as the central forward. The Tunisia match takes place tonight at 1 a.m. local time and carries significant importance, as victory would advance the Netherlands to the round of 16 against Morocco. Summerville has already netted twice in the tournament's opening two matches and appears to be the preferred option on the wing. Malen's goal contributions have dried up in the competition so far, prompting the tactical reshuffle. Koeman's public comments suggest a measured approach to managing the situation, balancing criticism with recognition of Malen's broader capabilities for the team.

AS Roma midfielder Koné made a strong impression in his World Cup debut, starting for France in a 3–0 victory over Iraq. The 2001-born midfielder was central to the performance and spoke afterwards about his experience in the match and the team's response to a lengthy interruption during play. He said: "Seemed endless, but we stayed professional. We told ourselves we had to come back with the same mentality. It was a long wait, but we responded well." Koné reflected positively on his first World Cup appearance and the confidence of being selected to start. He stated: "We got an important victory. For me it was the first time at a World Cup, but we were focused and ready. We are professionals and we knew how to manage everything the right way." On his unexpected debut, he added: "I didn't live it as a surprise. I always told myself to be ready. It happened and I'm proud. We won 3–0 and that's the most important thing." A lighter moment emerged during the press conference when Koné was asked a question in Italian and struggled to understand, responding with a smile and asking for a translator. The midfielder's solid performance underscores his growing importance to Roma's plans under current coaching staff.

Donyell Malen and several other Serie A forwards failed to score at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Malen, operating as a right winger rather than a central striker for the Netherlands under Koeman's system, was positioned far from goal and unable to find the net. His role away from the penalty area affected his overall performance during the tournament. Malen was not alone among Serie A attackers who struggled. Lautaro Martinez, Inter's leading scorer with 17 league goals, remained goalless across two matches for Argentina. Similarly, Marcus Thuram of Inter (who scored 13 goals in Serie A) failed to register despite limited playing time with France. Nico Paz and Kenan Yildiz of Turkey also went without goals. By contrast, only two Serie A attackers managed to find the net: Rafael Leão of Milan scored against Uzbekistan, while David of Juventus struck a hat-trick against Qatar. Other major Serie A forwards—including Douvikas, Hojlund, Simeone, Krstovic, and Davis—either failed to qualify or did not receive call-ups to their respective national teams.

Mason Greenwood has decided to join AS Roma following three weeks of negotiations that began with a video call between the English forward and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini on June 6. Gasperini's father Andrew, who also serves as his agent, participated in the initial contact, which was arranged through a former Manchester United teammate. Gasperini explained to Greenwood his tactical plans for Roma, detailing how the forward would operate either on the right flank or as a trequartista depending on the formation (3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2), while emphasizing the club's ambition and his importance to the project. Roma's leadership is now tasked with finalizing the deal with Marseille. The Friedkin Group and club ownership are preparing an offer of approximately 40 million euros plus performance-based add-ons. Negotiations are expected to advance after June 30, with direct talks between Friedkin and Marseille owner Frank McCourt. This approach mirrors Gasperini's success in January when he personally convinced Donyell Malen to join Roma. However, without a formal agreement in place, Greenwood's father continues to listen to interest from other clubs, including Fenerbahce, as he maximizes his position in the negotiations.

Donyell Malen, Roma's forward, failed to score across three group-stage matches at the World Cup with the Netherlands, a significant drop from his impressive form with the club. The player was shifted to the right wing during the tournament as fellow striker Brobbey scored three goals. Former Inter manager Frank De Boer analysed Malen's difficulties, tracing the root of his struggles to a friendly match against Algeria at the De Kuip stadium. De Boer explained that Malen did not play poorly in the group stage, including against Tunisia, where he remained active and unlucky in the final minutes. However, the Dutch legend believes a critical turning point came earlier. De Boer stated: "Everything started with the wasted opportunity against Algeria at the De Kuip. It seems to torment him a bit, it seems he's thinking too much. It would have been nice if he'd scored two goals now. But he didn't play badly." The analysis suggests Malen's lack of goals stems from a mental block rather than tactical or physical issues. De Boer implied that the forward's confidence may have been shaken by the missed chances in the Algeria friendly, affecting his performance throughout the tournament. His return to Roma and prospects for regaining form remain to be seen.