Flash Roma: Malen rated 8.7 after hat-trick against Fiorentina; Dybala's assists shine in seven-game partnership

Santiago Castro made his AS Roma debut at the Olimpico on 25 August 2026 and celebrated in unforgettable fashion by announcing he is expecting his first child. The Argentine striker revealed the news on Instagram, writing: "We are very happy to say that our small family is growing. Eager and emotional to have you with us. We are waiting for you." Castro and his wife posed for a photograph on the pitch immediately after the match, holding a miniature Roma shirt bearing his name to mark both occasions at once. The couple chose to announce the pregnancy on the night of Castro's first appearance in the giallorossi shirt, combining two significant milestones into a single celebration. The photograph, taken in the stadium, carries dual meaning—recording both his debut and the arrival of a new generation to his family. Castro's daughter will be born in Rome, linking his child to the capital from birth.

Paulo Dybala delivered a performance against Fiorentina on 24 August that Roma fans have not seen before, returning to the form he showed at Juventus with tireless running, shooting, creativity and team play. The Argentine remained the squad's standout player, with the recovery of the ball in the second half and his physical intensity signalling a player in elite condition. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini knew what he had: Dybala completed the full pre-season preparation without missing a day and followed every instruction without compromise. Dybala's three assists were the headline, but the display itself raised an immediate question for Roma's ownership: what happens if he stays this sharp? The renewal contract he signed is built on performance bonuses—appearances, goals and assists—meaning the stronger he plays and the more he contributes, the more the Friedkins will pay. Yet that has become, by the club's own logic, a problem Roma wanted to have. The financial structure is detailed. Dybala cuts his base salary to 2.2 million euros—a reduction of over 70 per cent—but unlocked significant bonus layers. Each appearance as a starter with a minimum of 45 minutes earns 100,000 euros, up to a maximum of 20 matches totalling 2 million euros. From the 21st such appearance, that bonus rises to 150,000 euros per match. Substitute appearances of at least 20 minutes are worth 75,000 euros each. Goals and assists activate further bonuses: for every five combined across both categories, he earns between 100,000 and 1 million euros. Against Fiorentina, playing 79 minutes as a starter and recording three assists, Dybala already triggered 100,000 euros in appearance bonuses. The three assists fell short of the five needed to unlock the goals-and-assists tier—that remains in progress. In the post-match interview, Dybala said: "The will to stay has always been there." His commitment came down to an act of faith in his own talent and in Roma's project.

Emanuele Lulli made his Serie A debut in Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina on 24 August 2026, delivering numbers that exceeded the seasonal average of predecessor Zeki Çelik. The 19-year-old academy product recorded four successful tackles, 56 touches, 86.5% pass accuracy, seven duels won out of ten, and a decisive recovery that led to Donyell Malen's goal for the 3–0. In the 2025–26 season, Çelik averaged a rating between 6.7 and 7.0 with roughly two tackles per 90 minutes and solid passing precision; Lulli's intensity and physicality in his opening match surpassed that baseline. The comparison extends beyond statistics. Çelik managed play with experience and positional sense across four years in the shirt; Lulli brought the aggressive, tireless profile that Gasperini has consistently sought in his wide defenders—more in the mould of a pressing, high-intensity fullback than a controlled operator. Gasperini's system rewards corsa, aggressiveness and constant covering rather than refined crossing. Çelik departed for Juventus without generating significant regret, but a Palestrina and Trigoria academy graduate has now demonstrated, at least in raw output, superior performance to the departed player's average. Lulli remains incomplete. He must improve his ball management and the quality of his final pass. He showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the context and contributed concretely to Roma's cause. The performance serves as more than tactical encouragement: it reinforces a working principle that the academy, when given proper development and managerial backing, can generate solutions better suited to Gasperini's model than external recruitment alone.

Emanuele Lulli made his Serie A debut in Roma's 4–0 victory over Fiorentina on 24 August 2026, delivering numbers that exceeded the seasonal average of predecessor Zeki Çelik. The 19-year-old academy product recorded four successful tackles, 56 touches, 86.5% pass accuracy, seven duels won out of ten, and a decisive recovery that led to Donyell Malen's goal for the 3–0. In the 2025–26 season, Çelik averaged a rating between 6.7 and 7.0 with roughly two tackles per 90 minutes and solid passing precision; Lulli's intensity and physicality in his opening match surpassed that baseline. The comparison extends beyond statistics. Çelik managed play with experience and positional sense across four years in the shirt; Lulli brought the aggressive, tireless profile that Gasperini has consistently sought in his wide defenders—more in the mould of a pressing, high-intensity fullback than a controlled operator. Gasperini's system rewards corsa, aggressiveness and constant covering rather than refined crossing. Çelik departed for Juventus without generating significant regret, but a Palestrina and Trigoria academy graduate has now demonstrated, at least in raw output, superior performance to the departed player's average. Lulli remains incomplete. He must improve his ball management and the quality of his final pass. He showed no signs of being overwhelmed by the context and contributed concretely to Roma's cause. The performance serves as more than tactical encouragement: it reinforces a working principle that the academy, when given proper development and managerial backing, can generate solutions better suited to Gasperini's model than external recruitment alone.

Roma's 2026–27 season began with a sold-out Stadio Olimpico as Emanuele Lulli, the 2007-born winger, made a mature and courageous competitive debut in a match against Fiorentina. Launched from the start by Gian Piero Gasperini in place of the absent Devyne Rensch and the underperforming Nahuel Molina, Lulli completed all 90 minutes in an assured display. Paulo Dybala's performance and Donyell Malen's hat-trick were also highlights as the crowd of 67,598 marked the 79th sell-out under Friedkin ownership, bolstered by the opening of the Distinti Nord Ovest sector to home supporters. The pre-match atmosphere crackled with tension as Roma unveiled the new faces in the squad. Before kickoff, the Curva Sud unfurled a banner reading "The path is laid out, we resume where we left off. The entire environment united towards the goal!", a rallying cry for collective focus. The crowd roared at every Dybala flourish and sang personalised chants for Malen as he was substituted following his treble, demonstrating the passionate backing that had driven a total of 80,000 season-ticket subscriptions over the summer. New recruits Konstantinos Koulierakis, Nahuel Molina, Santiago Castro and Rodrigo Mora were presented to the supporters during the warm-up, with Portuguese winger Dybala receiving the warmest reception.

Roma opened their Serie A season with a commanding 4–0 victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, powered by a starring performance from Donyell Malen. The Dutch forward scored a hat-trick, setting up by an inspired Paulo Dybala, before Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth. Malen's display—comprising a backheel finish, a burst of pace and a poacher's tap-in—answered mounting criticism from the summer, when national team coach Ronald Koeman had used him on the wing, preferring Brian Brobbey in the central role. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has never wavered in his tactical vision for the attacker. "For me he cannot ever play out wide: he must be close to goal," Gasperini said. Malen's three goals vindicated that conviction and offer an early statement of intent as Roma bid to contend in Serie A. The explosive start also underlines Gasperini's influence over team selection and tactics since his appointment in 2025. With this haul, Malen has now reached 18 goals in 21 official appearances in Roma colours—an extraordinary tally that marks him as a central attacking force for the club going forward. His hat-trick against the Viola demonstrated the clinical finishing and movement Gasperini has been asking of him, a sharp contrast to the peripheral role assigned to him at international level.

Paulo Dybala delivered a performance against Fiorentina on 24 August that Roma fans have not seen before, returning to the form he showed at Juventus with tireless running, shooting, creativity and team play. The Argentine remained the squad's standout player, with the recovery of the ball in the second half and his physical intensity signalling a player in elite condition. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini knew what he had: Dybala completed the full pre-season preparation without missing a day and followed every instruction without compromise. Dybala's three assists were the headline, but the display itself raised an immediate question for Roma's ownership: what happens if he stays this sharp? The renewal contract he signed is built on performance bonuses—appearances, goals and assists—meaning the stronger he plays and the more he contributes, the more the Friedkins will pay. Yet that has become, by the club's own logic, a problem Roma wanted to have. The financial structure is detailed. Dybala cuts his base salary to 2.2 million euros—a reduction of over 70 per cent—but unlocked significant bonus layers. Each appearance as a starter with a minimum of 45 minutes earns 100,000 euros, up to a maximum of 20 matches totalling 2 million euros. From the 21st such appearance, that bonus rises to 150,000 euros per match. Substitute appearances of at least 20 minutes are worth 75,000 euros each. Goals and assists activate further bonuses: for every five combined across both categories, he earns between 100,000 and 1 million euros. Against Fiorentina, playing 79 minutes as a starter and recording three assists, Dybala already triggered 100,000 euros in appearance bonuses. The three assists fell short of the five needed to unlock the goals-and-assists tier—that remains in progress. In the post-match interview, Dybala said: "The will to stay has always been there." His commitment came down to an act of faith in his own talent and in Roma's project.

Roma's 2026–27 season began with a sold-out Stadio Olimpico as Emanuele Lulli, the 2007-born winger, made a mature and courageous competitive debut in a match against Fiorentina. Launched from the start by Gian Piero Gasperini in place of the absent Devyne Rensch and the underperforming Nahuel Molina, Lulli completed all 90 minutes in an assured display. Paulo Dybala's performance and Donyell Malen's hat-trick were also highlights as the crowd of 67,598 marked the 79th sell-out under Friedkin ownership, bolstered by the opening of the Distinti Nord Ovest sector to home supporters. The pre-match atmosphere crackled with tension as Roma unveiled the new faces in the squad. Before kickoff, the Curva Sud unfurled a banner reading "The path is laid out, we resume where we left off. The entire environment united towards the goal!", a rallying cry for collective focus. The crowd roared at every Dybala flourish and sang personalised chants for Malen as he was substituted following his treble, demonstrating the passionate backing that had driven a total of 80,000 season-ticket subscriptions over the summer. New recruits Konstantinos Koulierakis, Nahuel Molina, Santiago Castro and Rodrigo Mora were presented to the supporters during the warm-up, with Portuguese winger Dybala receiving the warmest reception.

Roma opened their Serie A season with a commanding 4–0 victory over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, powered by a starring performance from Donyell Malen. The Dutch forward scored a hat-trick, setting up by an inspired Paulo Dybala, before Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth. Malen's display—comprising a backheel finish, a burst of pace and a poacher's tap-in—answered mounting criticism from the summer, when national team coach Ronald Koeman had used him on the wing, preferring Brian Brobbey in the central role. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has never wavered in his tactical vision for the attacker. "For me he cannot ever play out wide: he must be close to goal," Gasperini said. Malen's three goals vindicated that conviction and offer an early statement of intent as Roma bid to contend in Serie A. The explosive start also underlines Gasperini's influence over team selection and tactics since his appointment in 2025. With this haul, Malen has now reached 18 goals in 21 official appearances in Roma colours—an extraordinary tally that marks him as a central attacking force for the club going forward. His hat-trick against the Viola demonstrated the clinical finishing and movement Gasperini has been asking of him, a sharp contrast to the peripheral role assigned to him at international level.

Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0 in a commanding display, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick to lead the charge. Paulo Dybala contributed three assists and Manu Koné was withdrawn only through fatigue, underlining Roma's control. Debutant Daniele Ghilardi impressed in an early appearance, while Evan N'Dicka stood firm at the back as the team moved to 3–4–1–2 formation under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. All five major Italian newspapers awarded Roma positive marks across the board. Svilar received ratings between 6 and 6.5 in goal. The defence was solid, with N'Dicka rated 7 to 7.5 by all outlets and Mancini and Hermoso both praised. In midfield, Cristante earned 6.5 to 7, while Wesley was rated 6 to 7 on the flank. Koné's 6.5 to 7.5 reflected his strong showing before substitution. Malen's 8.5 to 9 and Dybala's 8 to 9 dominated the attacking ratings. Corrections made 68 minutes in saw Koulierakis introduced for Hermoso, while Pisilli replaced Koné at 79 minutes. Rodrigo Mora (6.5) and later Matías Soulé (6) featured in attack; Santiago Castro entered for Malen at 68 minutes. Gasperini earned 7.5 to 8 from the press corps. N'Dicka's display of 7 to 7.5, Koné's energy and Ghilardi's first appearance highlighted a Roma side functioning with precision and depth throughout.

Donyell Malen scored three goals in Roma's season opener, converted from chances created by Paulo Dybala, as Gian Piero Gasperini's side delivered an emphatic display. The result extended Gasperini's record to nine consecutive opening-day victories across his career. Dybala, now approaching 33, demonstrated creativity and composure, setting up all three of Malen's finishes and establishing an early statement of intent to Roma's rivals. Roma qualified for the Champions League on the final day of last season at Verona and carried that momentum directly into this campaign. The squad shows minimal alterations from the previous year, with Gasperini adding layers of personality and conviction that take effect immediately. Beyond the Malen–Dybala partnership, Manu Koné provided composure, while Evan N'Dicka and Gianluca Mancini displayed determination in defence. This is Gasperini's second season in the capital, and the city knows there will be no fumbling in unfamiliar territory—Champions League qualification has swept away doubts and pretence, leaving only an expectation of confirmation rather than a desperate hunt for lost enthusiasm. According to analysis from Pier Francesco Archetti in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma took the pitch with concrete execution and a surprise showing from Lulli in midfield. Gasperini's soft voice typically insists the improvements are never quite enough, but he has equipped the group with a personality that commands attention, combined with the creativity and effectiveness of the two main protagonists. The performance suggested that preparation and conviction function immediately within his methods.

Roma delivered a commanding performance to defeat Fiorentina in convincing fashion, with the attacking partnership of Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala at the centre of a tactically assured display that showcased the squad's early-season form. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini deployed a 3-4-1-2 formation in his opening fixture, positioning Rodrigo Mora as a trequartista behind Malen and Dybala, with the Portuguese forward alternating responsibilities alongside Fagioli in midfield. Roma's defensive structure proved resistant throughout, with Evan N'Dicka marking aggressively in the 3 vs 3 system and largely neutralising Fiorentina's central threat. Bryan Cristante managed transitions effectively between the centre-backs, while Mario Hermoso and Gianluca Mancini remained largely untroubled in open play. Matías Soulé operated as an inverted winger with penetrating runs, and the fullback pairing of Lulli and Wesley — operating on his left foot — kept Fiorentina's wing play at bay. Roma managed territorial supremacy without producing clear-cut chances until Mora drifted to the left flank and forced saves from De Gea. The breakthrough came when Dybala pierced Fiorentina's central defence with a lateral run, opening space for Malen to finish clinically. The second half began with both sides unchanged, but Gasperini's tactical tweaks proved decisive. A rapid counterattack saw Malen and Dybala combine with surgical precision to double the lead. After Soulé replaced Mora, Lulli fed into the Malen-Dybala axis to complete a 3-0 scoreline that raised questions about Roma's defensive depth. The closing stages saw further substitutions as Gasperini shifted to a 3-5-2 formation, with Niccolò Pisilli entering as trequartista and scoring a fourth goal. Fiorentina's attacking threat materialised only sporadically across the 90 minutes, primarily through Kean's runs in behind. Mancini struggled against Kean's pace when facing him directly, repeatedly unable to prevent the striker from being turned on his goal and conceding positional advantage. A yellow card for Hermoso on Mastantuono 70 metres from goal in the first half complicated Roma's defensive options thereafter. Mario Hermoso received an avoidable caution early on that constrained his subsequent play. Roma's display suggested a squad capable of managing the season's demands with focused tactical discipline. The dominant control exercised over a Fiorentina side still integrating summer recruitment underscored Roma's own defensive solidity and attacking coherence, particularly the explosive capability of Malen and Dybala operating in tandem.