Donyell Malen scores hat-trick for AS Roma as Dybala assists all three goals in Serie A opener

Donyell Malen put the rest of Serie A on notice with a ruthless hat-trick in AS Roma’s season-opening 3-0 demolition of Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico on August 24. Paulo Dybala, who provided all three assists, looked like he was playing a different sport from everyone else on the pitch.

A masterclass in finishing and creativity

Malen opened the scoring in the 27th minute, converting from a Dybala delivery to give Roma an early cushion. The second half brought more of the same, with Malen finding the net again in the 52nd minute before completing his hat-trick just eight minutes later in the 60th.

Three goals, three assists, one combination. It was the first time since May 2021 that a Serie A player had scored a hat-trick with every assist coming from the same teammate.

Malen arrived at Roma in January 2026 on loan from Aston Villa, with an obligation to buy reportedly worth around €27 million. He answered early doubts with 14 goals in just 18 Serie A appearances during the second half of the 2025-26 season. This hat-trick was his second for the club.

Gasperini’s Roma takes shape

For Gasperini, the result validated the tactical direction he appears to be taking the club. The former Atalanta manager built his reputation on high-pressing, aggressive football that turned a mid-table side into perennial Champions League contenders. Deploying Malen as his primary striker with Dybala operating in a free creative role behind him appears to be the foundation of Gasperini’s attacking blueprint.

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