Roma see off Fiorentina with dominant display; Malen-Dybala partnership proves decisive

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.