Donyell Malen struck for a hat trick and substitute Niccolò Pisilli added a late goal as AS Roma opened the 2026-27 Serie A campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Fiorentina according to multiple match reports. Paulo Dybala provided all three assists for Malen in a standout performance that underlined the attacking partnership’s potential under coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The result at Stadio Olimpico on August 24 left Roma among the early leaders while handing new Fiorentina manager Fabio Grosso a difficult start to his tenure with the Tuscan side. AP News reported that Malen’s first goal arrived in the 27th minute when he turned a Dybala pass and beat goalkeeper David de Gea with a composed finish.
The Dutch forward doubled the advantage seven minutes into the second half by cutting inside from a Dybala delivery and firing past de Gea from a tight angle Gazzetta dello Sport detailed in its live coverage. Malen completed his treble on the hour mark tapping home after Dybala raced down the right and crossed following a regaining of possession by Emanuele Lulli. Corriere dello Sport noted that Pisilli sealed the rout in the 86th minute with a clinical finish after entering as a substitute leaving Fiorentina without a response despite occasional threats from players such as Moise Kean.
The win extended Malen’s prolific form since arriving at Roma with the forward now responsible for 17 league goals in 19 appearances according to league tallies cited across Italian sports outlets. Dybala’s three assists capped a display that saw the Argentine creator repeatedly unlock the visiting defence showcasing the vision that persuaded him to extend his contract rather than depart in the close season. Fiorentina struggled to contain the hosts’ pace and movement with defensive lapses particularly evident after the interval as the visitors sat bottom of the nascent table.
Gasperini’s Roma side controlled proceedings for long stretches producing a fluid attacking display that contrasted with Fiorentina’s disjointed efforts under Grosso. The Viola created limited clear chances with goalkeeper Mile Svilar largely untroubled apart from a save to deny Kean in the 71st minute as reported by beIN Sports. Roma’s back three of Gianluca Mancini Evan Ndicka and Mario Hermoso helped stifle opposition transitions ensuring the shutout that complemented the attacking fireworks.
Lega Serie A standings after the opening round placed Roma at the summit level on points with several other clubs that secured victories over the weekend. The result provided an early boost for Gasperini’s project following the side’s mid-table finish last term and a cup exit the previous week. Fiorentina will look to regroup quickly with their next fixture offering a chance to address defensive vulnerabilities exposed at the Olimpico.
Malen’s clinical finishing and Dybala’s creativity formed the narrative of the evening with the duo combining seamlessly on each of the first three goals. The performance highlighted Roma’s ambitions for a stronger campaign while raising questions over Fiorentina’s readiness after a transitional summer. Further details from the match confirmed no serious injuries occurred leaving both squads focused on their midweek preparations.
