Cassano criticises Malen, questions Roma's title ambitions with Dutch forward
Opinion·14 May 2026·45d ago

Cassano criticises Malen, questions Roma's title ambitions with Dutch forward

Source: Forza Roma

Former AS Roma striker Antonio Cassano has publicly criticised Donyell Malen's quality during a broadcast of 'Viva el Futbol', despite the Dutch forward's recent form of 13 goals in 16 Serie A matches. Cassano expressed doubts about Malen's suitability as Roma's primary attacking reference point, drawing an unfavourable comparison to a previous Roma player under Spalletti.

Cassano stated: "Roma had a phenomenal player with Spalletti: it was Vucinic. He played centre-forward, left winger and was phenomenal. In Italy you move forward with enthusiasm, but Malen doesn't even lace Vucinic's shoes and Roma cannot aim to win if they have the Dutch forward as their attacking reference point." Cassano acknowledged Malen's strengths—describing him as quick and mobile in the penalty area—but argued the forward lacks the refinement and technical quality needed at the highest level. He noted that Malen is best utilised when playing in-behind defences, with Dybala frequently providing through-balls, but suggested this approach is difficult in Serie A where compact defensive structures dominate. Cassano's assessment questions whether Roma's current attacking setup can support title ambitions.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Machine-scraped Italian — paste into Google Translate for a full read.

Le sue parole: "La Roma non può ambire a vincere se ha l'olandese come attaccante di riferimento" Redazione 14 maggio - 09:33 La forza delle idee: servono più Malen Antonio Cassano - durante la puntata di 'Viva el Futbol' - ha criticato Donyell Malen. Nonostante l'impatto dell'olandese che ha già realizzato 13 gol in 16 partite di Serie A, l'ex attaccante giallorosso non è convinto delle qualità dell'ex Aston Villa. Queste le sue parole: "A Roma hanno avuto un giocatore fenomenale con Spalletti: era Vucinic. Faceva il centravanti, l'esterno a sinistra ed era fenomenale. In Italia si va avanti con l'entusiamo, ma Malen non allaccia nemmeno le scarpe a Vucinic e la Roma non può ambire a vincere se ha l'olandese come attaccante di riferimento. Lui gioca bene di taglio, ma è difficile fare questo quando giochi con le difese strette. In Italia non si gioca in questa maniera, ma lui non è raffinato come piace a me. Lo devi servire in profondità perché si muove bene, ha capito e infatti Dybala lo imbuca sempre. Lui è veloce, rapido e si muove bene verso il cono della porta. Ma non mi dà nulla a livello qualitativo". © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

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