Roma routs Fiorentina 4–0 on opening day; Malen and Dybala shine, Lulli impresses on Serie A debut

Roma opened the 2026-27 season with a 4-0 victory over Fiorentina, a performance that went beyond the scoreline to signal intent across Serie A. Played at the Olimpico, the match saw Roma dominate from start to finish with what the article describes as a team displaying clear identity, hunger, and tactical maturity. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad moved with naturalness, pressed high, attacked spaces and sustained the same intensity that had carried them through a remarkable comeback campaign last season. Gasperini had pushed throughout the summer to preserve the core of his squad, insisting on keeping the players he considered essential to continuity. That strategy bore immediate fruit. Paulo Dybala was the standout performer, prompting Gasperini to describe him after the match as "a beast" — a characterisation the article frames as a rebuttal of suggestions that Dybala is fragile. Summer preparation appears to have restored Dybala to peak condition: explosive, sharp, and capable of influencing the entire match. His partnership with Donyell Malen proved particularly destructive — Dybala provided three assists and Malen scored a hat-trick, a combination the article suggests may become one of the most dangerous partnerships in the division. Two academy products made notable impressions on their debuts. Emanuele Lulli, thrown into a match that could have intimidated younger players, performed with surprising composure, showing leg, courage and personality without fear. Rodrigo Mora, used for limited minutes, demonstrated ball control, technical sensitivity, and quality movement in space. The article notes both players merit continued development, with Mora in particular showing visible talent despite his youth. The opening day has left Roma with momentum heading forward. The article acknowledges a single 4-0 in August reveals little about May's destination, but stresses that Roma appears to restart from exactly where the previous campaign ended: with conviction, identity and desire to improve. The squad has added quality and may add more before the transfer window closes. The article suggests that if club officials deliver the final two reinforcements Gasperini continues to request — not simple adjustments but players capable of raising the squad's level further — a genuine step forward could materialise.

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 opened the 2026-27 season with a 4-0 victory over Fiorentina, a performance that went beyond the scoreline to signal intent across Serie A. Played at the Olimpico, the match saw Roma dominate from start to finish with what the article describes as a team displaying clear identity, hunger, and tactical maturity. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad moved with naturalness, pressed high, attacked spaces and sustained the same intensity that had carried them through a remarkable comeback campaign last season. Gasperini had pushed throughout the summer to preserve the core of his squad, insisting on keeping the players he considered essential to continuity. That strategy bore immediate fruit. Paulo Dybala was the standout performer, prompting Gasperini to describe him after the match as "a beast" — a characterisation the article frames as a rebuttal of suggestions that Dybala is fragile. Summer preparation appears to have restored Dybala to peak condition: explosive, sharp, and capable of influencing the entire match. His partnership with Donyell Malen proved particularly destructive — Dybala provided three assists and Malen scored a hat-trick, a combination the article suggests may become one of the most dangerous partnerships in the division. Two academy products made notable impressions on their debuts. Emanuele Lulli, thrown into a match that could have intimidated younger players, performed with surprising composure, showing leg, courage and personality without fear. Rodrigo Mora, used for limited minutes, demonstrated ball control, technical sensitivity, and quality movement in space. The article notes both players merit continued development, with Mora in particular showing visible talent despite his youth. The opening day has left Roma with momentum heading forward. The article acknowledges a single 4-0 in August reveals little about May's destination, but stresses that Roma appears to restart from exactly where the previous campaign ended: with conviction, identity and desire to improve. The squad has added quality and may add more before the transfer window closes. The article suggests that if club officials deliver the final two reinforcements Gasperini continues to request — not simple adjustments but players capable of raising the squad's level further — a genuine step forward could materialise.

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.

Rodrigo Mora has impressed head coach Gian Piero Gasperini despite being deployed from the first minute, but the manager has signalled that a second attacking reinforcement is needed to complete the summer overhaul. Mora's contract contains a €110 million release clause. Sports director D'Amico is focused on identifying that final piece after closing the Oosterwolde deal, responding to Gasperini's requests made at the start of summer. With Lyon's decision on Fofana still pending, Donyell Malen sits atop Roma's target list. Chelsea have already rejected Roma's opening proposal for the winger, but the club intends to return with a fresh bid in the coming days. Chelsea have also registered interest in Manu Koné should Enzo Fernandez depart, while Crystal Palace have reportedly approached Roma regarding Neil El Aynaoui. Meanwhile, Roma are working to find solutions for surplus players Anass Salah-Eddine and Vasquez, the remaining members outside the project still at Trigoria.

Roma opened the 2026-27 season with a 4-0 victory over Fiorentina, a performance that went beyond the scoreline to signal intent across Serie A. Played at the Olimpico, the match saw Roma dominate from start to finish with what the article describes as a team displaying clear identity, hunger, and tactical maturity. Gian Piero Gasperini's squad moved with naturalness, pressed high, attacked spaces and sustained the same intensity that had carried them through a remarkable comeback campaign last season. Gasperini had pushed throughout the summer to preserve the core of his squad, insisting on keeping the players he considered essential to continuity. That strategy bore immediate fruit. Paulo Dybala was the standout performer, prompting Gasperini to describe him after the match as "a beast" — a characterisation the article frames as a rebuttal of suggestions that Dybala is fragile. Summer preparation appears to have restored Dybala to peak condition: explosive, sharp, and capable of influencing the entire match. His partnership with Donyell Malen proved particularly destructive — Dybala provided three assists and Malen scored a hat-trick, a combination the article suggests may become one of the most dangerous partnerships in the division. Two academy products made notable impressions on their debuts. Emanuele Lulli, thrown into a match that could have intimidated younger players, performed with surprising composure, showing leg, courage and personality without fear. Rodrigo Mora, used for limited minutes, demonstrated ball control, technical sensitivity, and quality movement in space. The article notes both players merit continued development, with Mora in particular showing visible talent despite his youth. The opening day has left Roma with momentum heading forward. The article acknowledges a single 4-0 in August reveals little about May's destination, but stresses that Roma appears to restart from exactly where the previous campaign ended: with conviction, identity and desire to improve. The squad has added quality and may add more before the transfer window closes. The article suggests that if club officials deliver the final two reinforcements Gasperini continues to request — not simple adjustments but players capable of raising the squad's level further — a genuine step forward could materialise.

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 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.

Roma delivered an emphatic opening-day performance under Gian Piero Gasperini, dismantling Fiorentina 4–0 at the Stadio Olimpico. The Giallorossi dominated from first to last minute against Fabio Grosso's side, displaying overwhelming physical, technical and tactical superiority. The match was decided early by an exceptional understanding between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen. Dybala supplied three assists for the Dutch forward, who scored a spectacular hat-trick and reached a record tally of 17 goals in his last 19 Serie A appearances. Niccolò Pisilli added the fourth goal after coming off the bench. Young players impressed throughout. Rodrigo Mora, deployed in the attacking midfield for an hour, showed flashes of high quality, while 2007-born winger Lulli made his debut with confidence from the first minute, setting up the third goal and coming close to scoring himself with a header.

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.