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Pruzzo backs Dybala and Malen but warns Inter still hold advantage
·26 August 2026·45d ago

Pruzzo backs Dybala and Malen but warns Inter still hold advantage

Source: Forza Roma

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has praised the attacking partnership of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen following the opening round of Serie A, though he cautions that Inter remain the clear title favourites. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Pruzzo highlighted both players' impact in Roma's first fixture. "I'd say it was very good, even though we already knew the qualities of Dybala and Malen," Pruzzo said. "Of course, if Paulo is in this condition it's even nicer to watch. Malen, since he arrived in Italy, scores almost a goal a match. But it's the whole squad that seemed toned up, physically ready to me."

Gasperini described Dybala as physically a "beast" at the end of the match, a description Pruzzo endorsed. "Well, if he doesn't have physical setbacks, in terms of quality he's one of the best in Serie A, if not the best overall," Pruzzo noted. He also flagged Santiago Castro as a player to watch. On Roma's title prospects, Pruzzo said: "They can get closer, but in my view Inter start ten points ahead of everyone else. Of course, having Dybala and Malen at these levels is a guarantee. But I don't forget someone like Castro either. Mora needs to be managed."

Pruzzo's assessment reflects Roma's strong opening display while tempering expectations against a dominant Inter side.

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Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Roma legend Roberto Pruzzo has delivered a cautiously optimistic assessment of the Giallorossi's attacking resources following the opening day of Serie A, singling out Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen for particular praise. Pruzzo told Gazzetta dello Sport that the partnership made "a very good impression," with Malen scoring at an almost one-per-game rate since arriving in Italy. He endorsed Atalanta coach Gasperini's description of Dybala as physically a "beast," noting that if the Argentine avoids injury setbacks, he ranks among Serie A's finest talents. "The whole squad seemed tonic to me, in good physical condition," Pruzzo observed, also flagging Santiago Castro as another attacking talent worth monitoring.

However, Pruzzo tempered expectations about Roma's title credentials despite the attacking display. When asked whether Roma could narrow the gap on Inter with Dybala and Malen performing at peak levels, he acknowledged the possibility but warned of the scale of the challenge. "You can get closer but in my opinion Inter start ten points ahead of all the others," he said. "Of course, having Dybala and Malen at these levels is a guarantee." On striker Rodrigo Mora, Pruzzo urged caution, saying he "needs to be managed," suggesting careful deployment rather than wholesale confidence in the forward.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“Roberto Pruzzo di attaccanti se ne intende e in un'intervista rilasciata alla Gazzetta dello Sport ha commentato il rendimento del reparto offensivo della Roma nella prima giornata, esaltando Dybala e Malen e avvertendo anche a stare attenti a Castro, ma anche all'Inter. Che impressione le ha fatto…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma →

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