Donyell Malen has reflected on the best start of his career after scoring five goals in Roma’s opening two Serie A matches of the 2026/27 season.
Donyell Malen has immediately taken centre stage in Serie A, scoring five goals across Roma’s opening two matches of the new season.
The Dutch attacker followed his hat-trick against Fiorentina with another two goals in the 4-0 victory over Lecce, helping Gian Piero Gasperini’s side make a perfect start to the campaign.
Roma have scored eight goals without conceding through their first two games, with Malen emerging as the leading figure in an attack also featuring Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro.
Malen: “I Think This Is My Best Start”
Speaking to reporters at the Gran Galà del Calcio in Milan, Malen admitted that even he did not expect to begin the campaign in such prolific form.
“I did not expect to start so well, but I am very happy,” Malen said. “I think this is my best start.
“I hope I am ready to lead Roma. We are in a very good moment. Our objective? We will take it game by game, and then we will see.”
The 27-year-old’s five-goal return has exceeded expectations and strengthened the belief that he can become one of the central figures in Roma’s Serie A and Champions League campaigns.
Malen Nominated at Gran Galà del Calcio
Malen attended the Gran Galà del Calcio after earning a nomination for the award recognizing the best forward from the previous Serie A season.
The former Aston Villa attacker arrived at Trigoria in January and quickly established himself as an important part of Gasperini’s Roma project.
His performances during the opening weeks of the new campaign have taken his influence to another level. Malen scored three times against Fiorentina before producing another decisive display at the Via del Mare, where his first-half brace helped Roma take control against Lecce.
Despite his exceptional start, the Netherlands international is maintaining a measured approach. Rather than setting an immediate target for the season, Malen wants Roma to remain focused on each match as the schedule becomes more demanding.
The Giallorossi will compete across Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League, making Malen’s form and fitness increasingly important to the club’s ambitions.
Source: Gran Galà del Calcio AIC
Leave a Reply