Malen and Dybala star as Roma crush Fiorentina 4–0 in season opener

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.

Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick as Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0, with the Dutch winger later captured in a video posted by his wife Delisha performing as a DJ to celebrate the result. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised the performance across the squad. In his post-match comments, Gasperini said: "Mora is extraordinary. Dybala is a beast. We need a few more reinforcements." Paulo Dybala also spoke after the match, stating: "We can finish higher than third place. I never had doubts about the contract renewal." Malen added: "Playing with Dybala is extraordinary. I don't want to say how many goals I'll score." The emphatic victory showcased Roma's attacking threat, with Dybala operating at his sharpest alongside Malen's match-winning display.

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.

Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick as Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0, with the Dutch winger later captured in a video posted by his wife Delisha performing as a DJ to celebrate the result. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised the performance across the squad. In his post-match comments, Gasperini said: "Mora is extraordinary. Dybala is a beast. We need a few more reinforcements." Paulo Dybala also spoke after the match, stating: "We can finish higher than third place. I never had doubts about the contract renewal." Malen added: "Playing with Dybala is extraordinary. I don't want to say how many goals I'll score." The emphatic victory showcased Roma's attacking threat, with Dybala operating at his sharpest alongside Malen's match-winning display.

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.

Donyell Malen scored a hat-trick as Roma demolished Fiorentina 4–0, with the Dutch winger later captured in a video posted by his wife Delisha performing as a DJ to celebrate the result. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini praised the performance across the squad. In his post-match comments, Gasperini said: "Mora is extraordinary. Dybala is a beast. We need a few more reinforcements." Paulo Dybala also spoke after the match, stating: "We can finish higher than third place. I never had doubts about the contract renewal." Malen added: "Playing with Dybala is extraordinary. I don't want to say how many goals I'll score." The emphatic victory showcased Roma's attacking threat, with Dybala operating at his sharpest alongside Malen's match-winning display.

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.

Roma eased to a 4-0 victory over Fiorentina at the Olimpico on the opening day of Serie A, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and Paulo Dybala registering three assists. The Dutch winger and Argentine playmaker combined flawlessly throughout, displaying the understanding both had shown repeatedly last season. The Roma midfield and defence performed with purpose, while Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth goal late on. Lulli impressed on the right flank, though Rodrigo Mora lacked impact overall. Fiorentina under Raffaele Grosso looked rigid and disorganised. Their defence leaked goals from multiple angles, and neither Mastantuono nor Atta could impose themselves. Pellegrino struggled to lead the attack as effectively as Kean. Roma's commanding display matched the opening victories of Inter, Milan, Napoli and Juventus, signalling the club is in full rhythm for the campaign ahead.

Donyell Malen scored three goals in Roma's dominant 4–0 victory over Fiorentina, with Paulo Dybala providing assists for the Dutch forward's strikes. Niccolò Pisilli added a fourth in the closing stages. Roma's attacking display was spectacular, while Fiorentina offered little resistance.