Roma dominated Fiorentina in yesterday’s 4-0 win at the Olimpico, but the goals only tell part of the story. Here are four other key figures from the Giallorossi’s first win of the season.
3
As in the number of goals that Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala combined for on Monday at the Olimpico. We all know the impact that Malen had upon his arrival in the Italian capital in January. But, much of his success last season came when Paulo Dybala was sidelined by injury. This match showed the potential that this
duo possesses when Gasperini is able to deploy them in tandem as Dybala assisted all three of Malen’s goals. It’s the first time a teammate has assisted all three goals of a player’s hat trick in Serie A since 2021.
17
Speaking of Malen goals… Donyell Malen has now scored 17 league goals since his arrival at Roma in just 19 Serie A matches. His hat trick last night surpasses Gabriel Batistuta’s 15 league goals in his first 19 matches for Roma—setting a new club record to start a tenure in red and yellow. Additionally, those 17 are by far the most scored by any player in the league since Malen’s arrival. The next highest mark in that time is 9 by Anastasios Douvikas of Como. It’s also tied for the most goals in the league since the start of last season with Lautaro Martinez, despite Malen spending the first half of last season with Aston Villa in the EPL.
91
As in the minutes per goal for Malen, the Dutchman has played 1,546 league minutes since his arrival last spring. That average of just about a goal per 90 minutes is the best rate among players who have scored at least 10 goals in Italy’s top flight since 1994/95—better than two guys named Ronaldo, one Brazilian and one Portuguese. Truly a world-class strike rate.
0
As in the number of big chances the Viola had on Monday. We all know the offensive masterclass the Giallorossi delivered in the attacking third, led by Malen and Dybala. However, Roma played a complete team game. By controlling possession and dictating the match, the Lupi kept all Fiorentina threats at bay. Mile Svilar had it easy, making just four pedestrian saves and not facing any high-danger chances.
