Donyell Malen continued his extraordinary start to the Serie A season by scoring the opening goal in Roma’s 2-0 victory over Torino.
The Dutch forward broke the deadlock in the 40th minute after Paulo Dybala released him behind the Torino defence. Malen fought through the challenge and forced the ball into the net to register his sixth league goal of the campaign.
Although Dybala created the opportunity with his pass, Malen revealed that the Argentine will not officially be credited with the assist.
Malen reacts to the ‘Dybalen’ partnership
The “Dybalen” partnership was born here in Turin in January. The script was the same today. Do you like the name?
“It’s funny! It was important to score. I’m sorry that Paulo won’t get the assist, but it was important to win.”
Dybala and Malen have developed into one of Roma’s most dangerous combinations under Gian Piero Gasperini. The coach praised their understanding after the match, explaining that the two forwards complement each other and regularly create goalscoring situations.
Malen focused on Roma’s objectives
Do you realize what you are becoming for Roma’s supporters?
“Not really. I think about scoring goals and achieving Roma’s objectives. I am focused on the pitch—that is what matters.”
Malen’s relentless approach was evident in the opening goal. Even after losing his balance under pressure, he continued fighting for the ball and managed to finish while almost on his knees.
His six goals have helped Roma win all four of their opening Serie A matches and extend their league winning streak to nine games dating back to last season.
Malen jokes about Pisilli’s celebration
Niccolò Pisilli completed the victory in the 93rd minute but immediately fell to the ground after suffering a painful calf cramp.
Pisilli scored while suffering from cramp. Had you ever seen anything like that?
“No, never! I had never seen a celebration like that. I just told them to bring him a chair—he needs one!”
Pisilli later explained that the cramp prevented him from celebrating his first goal of the season.
Malen proud to join Totti in Roma history
Malen has become only the third player in Roma history to score at least six goals across the club’s opening four Serie A matches.
Pedro Manfredini scored seven at the beginning of the 1960/61 campaign, while Francesco Totti registered six in 2001/02.
Six goals in the opening four matches. What is it like seeing your name alongside Francesco Totti’s?
“Totti is enormous for Roma. I am enjoying myself here. Breaking records is beautiful.”
Source: DAZN
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