Malen's hat-trick and Roma's teenagers: Gasperini's second stint begins in style

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 opened their 2026-27 season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Fiorentina, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and Paulo Dybala providing three assists. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini saw encouraging debuts from Rodrigo Mora, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Santiago Castro. With a trip to Lecce at the Via del Mare scheduled for Monday 31 August at 18:30, Gasperini has given the squad a day's rest. Training will resume on Wednesday afternoon at Trigoria, ahead of the next fixture.

Roma marked their first official victory of the season with a commanding 4–0 win over Fiorentina at the Olimpico under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The performance was described as high-level, with no debate over the scoreline. Gasperini rewarded the squad with a day off following the Monday night debut, meaning no training session is scheduled at Trigoria on 25 August. Bryan Cristante addressed the media, noting that the workload in the current phase is noticeably lighter and more manageable compared to the summer preparation period. The squad will resume training on Wednesday afternoon.

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 opened their 2026-27 season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Fiorentina, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick and Paulo Dybala providing three assists. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini saw encouraging debuts from Rodrigo Mora, Konstantinos Koulierakis and Santiago Castro. With a trip to Lecce at the Via del Mare scheduled for Monday 31 August at 18:30, Gasperini has given the squad a day's rest. Training will resume on Wednesday afternoon at Trigoria, ahead of the next fixture.

Bryan Cristante was interviewed after Roma's opening match of the 2026–27 season against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on 24 August. The midfielder said the team had put in a strong performance from the start and credited the squad's preparation during pre-season for their readiness. "We're in good shape, we had a good pre-season with all our efforts. If we carry on with performances like this it's very good. We're more ready because the squad is the same one. We're more prepared for the workload and the manager's demands, so we started with an extra gear," Cristante said. Cristante highlighted the impact of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, saying they "make the difference when they're in good form." He noted that Dybala has been making a difference in Italian football for years, while Malen scored immediately in January. Cristante also praised a player referred to as "Lulli", describing it as "a great performance" and saying he "can give us a hand." On the team's defensive solidity, Cristante reflected: "We've always done great training sessions, but in pre-season the workload takes its toll. However, the staff always get us ready when matches that count begin." The midfielder also reflected on his personal milestone, saying he was entering Roma's top ten for players with the most appearances for the club. "It's an incredible club and city. I'm honoured to enter the top ten. I hope to make as many appearances as possible and continue to win with performances like this," he said. On the team's ambitions, Cristante added: "Yes, we want to do better. We're starting from a more consolidated base: we're the same group. We're starting with an extra gear, but the season is long. Starting well is important, we want to improve on last year's result."

Roma marked their first official victory of the season with a commanding 4–0 win over Fiorentina at the Olimpico under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The performance was described as high-level, with no debate over the scoreline. Gasperini rewarded the squad with a day off following the Monday night debut, meaning no training session is scheduled at Trigoria on 25 August. Bryan Cristante addressed the media, noting that the workload in the current phase is noticeably lighter and more manageable compared to the summer preparation period. The squad will resume training on Wednesday afternoon.

Bryan Cristante was interviewed after Roma's opening match of the 2026–27 season against Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on 24 August. The midfielder said the team had put in a strong performance from the start and credited the squad's preparation during pre-season for their readiness. "We're in good shape, we had a good pre-season with all our efforts. If we carry on with performances like this it's very good. We're more ready because the squad is the same one. We're more prepared for the workload and the manager's demands, so we started with an extra gear," Cristante said. Cristante highlighted the impact of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, saying they "make the difference when they're in good form." He noted that Dybala has been making a difference in Italian football for years, while Malen scored immediately in January. Cristante also praised a player referred to as "Lulli", describing it as "a great performance" and saying he "can give us a hand." On the team's defensive solidity, Cristante reflected: "We've always done great training sessions, but in pre-season the workload takes its toll. However, the staff always get us ready when matches that count begin." The midfielder also reflected on his personal milestone, saying he was entering Roma's top ten for players with the most appearances for the club. "It's an incredible club and city. I'm honoured to enter the top ten. I hope to make as many appearances as possible and continue to win with performances like this," he said. On the team's ambitions, Cristante added: "Yes, we want to do better. We're starting from a more consolidated base: we're the same group. We're starting with an extra gear, but the season is long. Starting well is important, we want to improve on last year's result."

Bryan Cristante praised Roma's performance in the opening Serie A match against Fiorentina, describing it as an ideal start to the campaign. Speaking after the fixture, the midfielder said: "It went well, it's hard to start better than this. We know we had to start strong because the first matches of the season are important, and we started great." Cristante highlighted the group's improved confidence and the foundation built over the preceding season. "There's greater awareness in the squad. The objective is to do better. We're coming off a great season and we're starting from a more consolidated base. We're starting with an extra gear compared to last year; the league is long, but it's important to start like this," he explained. He also noted the difference in physical condition compared to the pre-season, when training loads had been heavier. "The loads have changed. In summer we ran quite a bit and arrived with heavier legs. Now the loads are routine and we're reaping the fruits of the work done over this month and a half," Cristante said. He praised winger Donyell Malen's contribution, saying: "He's a strong player, he becomes essential. Hopefully we have him always at this level." Cristante also commended another teammate, referred to as "Lulli," for a strong individual display: "He ran, defended and attacked. He did well and can help us, and if he plays matches like that he becomes important too." Cristante confirmed Roma's defensive work remained a focus: "We've always worked well. The loads during pre-season make themselves felt, but we have good fitness coaches who get us in the right condition for the start of the season."

Wesley spoke to DAZN at half-time of Roma's match against Fiorentina, emphasizing the team's defensive priorities. "We are focused on not conceding a goal," Wesley said. "That was the game plan knowing the opponent too. It was important to start so strong, pressing." Roma entered the second half having established an aggressive tone in the first 45 minutes. Wesley was asked about sustaining that tempo throughout the remainder of the fixture. When asked about an ankle complaint, Wesley reported no ongoing issue. "It's good now," he said. "I took a knock but I'm fine now."

Wesley reflected on Roma's performance in the opening match of the 2026–27 Serie A season against Fiorentina on matchday one. The midfielder said the team executed their tactical plan effectively in the first half. "We did well in the first half," Wesley said. "We need to stay concentrated to avoid conceding. We knew what the game plan was and it was important to start that strong with the pressing." He added that the squad must maintain the rhythm shown in the opening period.

Roma's official 2026–27 season gets underway at the Stadio Olimpico against Fiorentina, managed by Fabio Grosso. Gian Piero Gasperini names Rodrigo Mora in the starting XI, with Wesley confirmed at left-back. The match will be officiated by Matteo Marcenaro (Genova), with assistants Lo Cicero and Rossi. Rosario Abisso oversees VAR duties, with Antonio Giua as AVAR. Fiorentina arrive having undergone significant changes after a difficult previous season. The fixture represents an early test for Gasperini's side as they begin their league campaign.