Donyell Malen Equals Historic Roma Record

Donyell Malen continues his spectacular start to the season with Roma. The Dutch forward found the net again in the win over Torino, matching a historic mark set by Francesco Totti during the 2001-02 campaign.

Donyell Malen needed only a few matches to begin writing his name into Roma history. The forward scored again in the 2-0 victory over Torino and reached six goals at the start of the season, matching a record achieved by Francesco Totti 25 years ago.

The Dutchman’s impressive form has coincided with Roma’s excellent start, as the club has recorded four consecutive victories and climbed to the top of the Serie A table. In addition, the connection between Malen and Paulo Dybala has become one of the main attacking weapons for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

Malen Matches Totti’s Historic Mark

With his goal against Torino, Malen reached six goals through the first four matches of the season, matching the start Totti produced during the 2001-02 campaign.

The forward also became just the third player in Roma history to score more than five goals in the opening four matches of a season. The only player ahead of his current tally is Pedro Manfredini, who scored seven times at the beginning of the 1960-61 campaign.

“I know how important Totti is to Roma. I really enjoy playing this football and breaking all these records,” Malen said.

Malen and Dybala’s Connection Fuels Roma

One of the keys behind Malen’s impressive performances has been his partnership with Dybala. The Argentine was once again directly involved in the move that led to the opening goal against Torino, although a touch from the goalkeeper prevented him from officially being credited with the assist.

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“My partnership with Dybala? It’s fun. He made a great pass, and I’m sorry he didn’t get the assist because the goalkeeper touched the ball. The important thing was to score,” the Dutchman explained.

Gasperini, meanwhile, is looking to manage his stars’ minutes amid a demanding schedule. The coach substituted Malen during the second half against Torino, with the team’s upcoming fixtures also in mind.

The next major test will come against reigning Italian champions Inter. For Malen and Roma, the matchup will provide an opportunity to show that their spectacular start to the season can also establish them as serious contenders for the Scudetto.