Headline: Dybala and Malen Celebrate Shared Success in Roma’s 4-0 Victory Over Fiorentina
In a standout performance at the Stadio Olimpico, Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala joined forces as Roma triumphed 4-0 against Fiorentina. The duo collaborated to secure all three of Malen’s goals, marking a memorable occasion for both players.
Following the match, Dybala spoke about his gesture of presenting Malen with the match ball in recognition of his hat-trick. “I brought him the ball because he scored three goals and he deserves it,” Dybala stated during a post-match interview with DAZN, as reported by FirenzeViola.
Malen reciprocated the praise, expressing his gratitude for having Dybala as a teammate. “I’m blessed to play with a teammate like that, who understands all my movements and allows me to score goals,” Malen said.
Dybala, who had been mixed in speculation about his future, addressed those concerns by affirming his commitment to the club. “I was really eager to play because I hadn’t been able to during the holidays,” he shared. “The people here are incredible, the desire to stay was always there, there were no doubts. That’s why I gave everything for my teammates.”
The Argentine also concluded the match with three assists, showcasing his significant contribution, which placed him on par with Malen as the standout performer of the evening.
Meanwhile, Malen opted not to reflect on past disappointments from the international season, focusing instead on the current campaign. “The past is the past, the season has started and I’m very happy to be here,” he said, adding, “I don’t know how many goals I’ll score, I don’t want to put a number on it.”
Dybala also took a moment to acknowledge his opponent and fellow Argentine, Franco Mastantuono, who is currently on loan at Fiorentina from Real Madrid. He remarked on their meeting during the holidays in Argentina, praising Mastantuono as “a very young lad but he has great quality” and wishing him success in Serie A.
Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala paid tribute to one another after combining for all three of the Dutchman’s goals in Roma’s 4-0 dismantling of Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico.
According to their post-match interviews with DAZN, via FirenzeViola, the Argentine had already made a point of the occasion inside the dressing room.
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“I brought him the ball because he scored three goals and he deserves it,” Dybala said.
Malen returned the compliment: “I’m blessed to play with a teammate like that, who understands all my movements and allows me to score goals,” the forward said.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – AUGUST 15: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma at Signal Iduna Park on August 15, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Dybala insists there were no doubts over his Roma future
Dybala’s own summer had been the subject of speculation, and he used the platform to close it down.
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“I was really eager to play because I hadn’t been able to during the holidays,” he said. “The people here are incredible, the desire to stay was always there, there were no doubts. That’s why I gave everything for my teammates.”
The Argentine finished the evening with three assists and a rating that placed him alongside Malen as the standout performer of the opening round.
Malen, meanwhile, declined to be drawn on either the summer’s international disappointment or a target for the campaign ahead.
“The past is the past, the season has started and I’m very happy to be here,” he said. “I don’t know how many goals I’ll score, I don’t want to put a number on it.”
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Dybala closed by turning to the opposition and his Argentina teammate Franco Mastantuono, on loan at Fiorentina from Real Madrid and one of the few visiting players to emerge with credit.
“I saw Mastantuono during the holidays in Argentina as well,” he said. “He’s a very young lad but he has great quality. I wish him all the best in Serie A.”
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