Malen leads Netherlands charge against Japan as Roma contingent spreads across World Cup
Squad News·14 June 2026·35d ago

Malen leads Netherlands charge against Japan as Roma contingent spreads across World Cup

Source: Forza Roma

Donyell Malen starts for the Netherlands against Japan tonight at 22:00 in their opening group match, replacing Depay as the primary striker. The Roma forward has impressed in Serie A under Gasperini, recording 14 goals in 18 league appearances and one in two Europa League matches this season. Malen has already featured in two pre-tournament friendlies in the same position, which suits his playing style, though he has squandered a couple of clear chances in international competition.

Roma are represented by five players at the World Cup in the United States. Beyond Malen, the club's contingent includes Manu Koné (France), Zeki Çelik (Turkey), Neil El Aynaoui (Morocco), and Evan N'Dicka (Ivory Coast), along with Salah-Eddine (Morocco). Wesley would have made six, but a recent injury ruled him out. Across Serie A and Serie B, 71 players are competing in the tournament. Milan lead the Italian clubs with ten representatives, while Croatia tops the nations drawing most heavily from Italian football with seven squad members. Italy's Serie A and B combined ranks fifth globally for World Cup representation.

Gasperini recognised Malen's natural ability as a centre-forward immediately upon his arrival and has used him effectively in that role throughout the season. The club at Trigoria are watching his performance with particular interest given his significant contribution to Roma's Champions League qualification earlier this year.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Stasera (22) il centravanti della Roma affronta il Giappone. Titolare dell'Olanda, deve confermare quanto fatto in Serie A. E' uno dei più attesi dei 'nostri' Redazione 14 giugno - 07:42 Malen, non solo gol. A Trastevere deve anche spingere l'apetta E se ci fosse una semifinale Malen contro…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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