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 for...