AS Roma: Donyell Malen scores the first hat-trick of the season in Europe's top five leagues

24.08.26 FT Serie A Italy

Roma

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Fiorentina

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Donyell Malen has already made a huge impact in Serie A. The Dutch striker bagged a hat-trick on Monday as AS Roma cruised past Fiorentina (4-0), becoming the first player to notch a hat-trick this season across Europe’s top five leagues.

On their opening day of the league campaign, Roma put on a show at the Stadio Olimpico. Driven by an inspired Donyell Malen, the Roman side romped to a 4-0 win and provisionally claimed the top spot in Serie A, edging ahead of Inter Milan, who also kicked off their season with an emphatic win by the same scoreline.

Malen was the undisputed star of the night. The Dutch international found the net three times and instantly established himself among the leading players in the Italian top flight. This hat-trick also marks a spectacular debut for a player determined to make his mark quickly in his new surroundings.

An impressive debut in Italy

Having joined AS Roma after several stints at the highest level in Europe, Malen had already shown his finishing prowess and versatility across the attacking line. His spell in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, in particular, helped him emerge as one of the most prominent Dutch strikers in Europe.

His arrival in the Italian capital is meant to help him take his game to the next level. With this hat-trick on his very first league outing, he could hardly have wished for a better way to introduce himself to the Roma fans and to Xavi Hernández, the new Netherlands national team coach.

Dybala, another key player on the night

While Malen stole the headlines, Paulo Dybala was also instrumental in Roma’s dominant performance. The Argentine playmaker registered three assists, directly contributing to three of his team’s four goals.

The World Cup winner played a crucial role throughout the evening, using his technical brilliance and vision to set up Malen. Their chemistry could quickly become one of Roma’s main attacking weapons this season.

With Malen already on three goals and Dybala providing three assists, Roma have sent out a powerful early statement. The season has only just begun, but the Giallorossi have made sure everyone is talking about them.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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