Roma made an emphatic start to their Serie A campaign by beating Fiorentina, with Donyell Malen scoring a hat-trick after being set up on each occasion by Paulo Dybala.
The Dutch forward struck in the 27th, 52nd and 60th minutes, while Dybala supplied the assist for every goal. Their combination proved decisive as Roma took control of their opening-round fixture and repeatedly exposed Fiorentina.
Malen’s first goal arrived midway through the opening half, giving the home side the advantage. Dybala then provided another assist seven minutes after half-time, allowing Malen to double both his own tally and Roma’s lead.
The pair combined once more eight minutes later. Malen completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute, with Dybala again delivering the final pass.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini substituted Malen in the 68th minute, shortly after the striker had completed his three-goal performance. Dybala remained on the pitch for a further 11 minutes before being withdrawn in the 79th minute.
Roma added a fourth goal later in the match through Niccolo Pisilli. That left Gasperini’s side in a commanding position as they approached the closing stages of the contest.
The result had not yet been confirmed at the time of the report, but if Roma maintain their lead until the final whistle, they will finish the first round of Serie A at the top of the table.
For Malen, the match offered an immediate impact in his first appearance of the new league campaign. His three goals came within 33 minutes, while Dybala’s three assists established the Argentine as the creative force behind Roma’s dominant display.
Fiorentina were unable to contain the attacking partnership and found themselves facing a four-goal deficit after Pisilli’s late contribution. Roma’s performance was built around the direct connection between Dybala and Malen, with each of the striker’s goals involving the Argentine playmaker.
The capital club now have the opportunity to begin the season as Serie A leaders, provided they preserve their advantage through the final whistle.
