Serie A: Donyell Malen already surpasses Batistuta

24.08.26 FT Serie A Italy

Roma

4

:

Fiorentina

0

Donyell Malen continues to dazzle in Italy. After netting another hat-trick in AS Roma’s emphatic win over Fiorentina, the Dutch striker now boasts an outstanding tally of 17 goals in 19 Serie A appearances.

A hat-trick to launch the season

In their opening match of the new Serie A season, AS Roma left Fiorentina with no chance, cruising to a resounding 4-0 victory. Donyell Malen was the star of the night. Set up three times by Paulo Dybala, the Dutchman bagged a hat-trick in just an hour on the pitch.

This is already his second league hat-trick since arriving in the Italian capital. Last April, the former Aston Villa player also hit a treble against Pisa.

Historic start in Italy

Joining AS Roma on January 16 on a paid loan from Aston Villa, Malen quickly adapted to Italian football. His performances triggered the €25 million purchase obligation after the Roman club qualified for European competition. With 17 goals in his first 19 Serie A appearances, the Dutchman has even outperformed Gabriel Batistuta over the same span.

In his debut season with Roma in 2000-2001, the Argentine striker scored 15 goals after 19 matchdays. The upcoming fixture against Lecce on August 31 will be another chance to see if the Dutch striker can extend a streak that already puts him ahead of one of the club’s all-time great scorers over the first 19 matches.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Roma

Fiorentina

Serie A Italy