A brilliant duo: Paulo Dybala (left) and Donyell Malen. © ANSA / ALESSANDRO DI MEO

A brilliant duo: Roma dismantles Fiorentina

Former Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, the youngest of the coaches who missed out on the World Cup with the Squadra Azzurra, has celebrated a successful start to the new Serie A season with Lazio. An attacking duo worked brilliantly for their local rivals.

August 24, 2026

From: cst

Roma coach Pierluigi Gasperini had predicted it: Paulo Dybala was in the best form he'd ever been in. And he was right. Dybala racked up three assists on the first matchday of the new season – each one for Donyell Malen.

The Dutchman picked up seamlessly against Fiorentina on Monday evening where he left off last season. Since Malen arrived in Rome in the winter, the striker has been virtually unstoppable. Even the Tuscans had to acknowledge this. After an hour, Malen had three goals to his name, after which he was substituted to a standing ovation.

Match-winner for Lazio: Davide Frattesi. © ANSA / ELISABETTA BARACCHI

Shortly before, city rivals Lazio had secured three points in Bologna. However, it was a somewhat fortunate victory, as Ukrainian Artem Dovbyk missed a golden opportunity to equalize in the 96th minute. But because the striker failed to score, a goal from new signing Davide Frattesi (who arrived from Inter) was enough for Lazio to celebrate their first three points of the season. A good start for new coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Serie A: Monday's games

Bologna – Lazio 0-1
0:1 Frattesi (59th minute)

Rome - Florence
1:0 Malen (27th), 2:0 Malen (52nd), 3:0 Malen (60th), 4:0 Pisilli (86th)