Donyell Malen and more: a four-goal performance against Lecce—Roma is now giving fans something to dream about

Donyell Malen is unstoppable. Gasperini’s Roma crushed Lecce 4-0 at Via del Mare on Matchday 2 of Serie A, continuing their extraordinary start to the season. Following their opening-day victory, the Giallorossi notched another win without conceding a goal and soared to the top of the standings with a perfect record, alongside Inter, Milan, Juventus, and Lazio.

Once again, the Dutch forward stole the show, stealing the spotlight with a two-goal performance in the first 23 minutes. Malen opened the scoring in the 4th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Gaspar following a play orchestrated by Dybala. The former Aston Villa player was lightning-fast to collect the ball and fired a precise right-footed shot past Falcone. Lecce tried to respond, but Roma’s pressure was suffocating. In the 23rd minute, the lead doubled: Wesley drove down the left and sent in a low cross; Malen beat everyone to it with a soft touch and chipped the ball over Falcone to make it 2-0.

Barely two minutes later, the game was virtually over. This time, Malen plays the role of provider, setting up Soulé, whose first shot is blocked by Falcone but who is quickest to the rebound to make it 3-0. With Lecce now on the ropes, Roma manages the lead without letting up on the attack. Gasperini brought on Rodrigo Mora in the 60th minute, and the young Portuguese player immediately repaid the trust placed in him: in the 65th minute, he scored his first goal in a Giallorossi jersey, off an assist from Mancini following another well-constructed play by the Roman side.

With the score at 4-0, Roma slowed the pace, protected their lead, and began looking ahead to their next match. In the closing minutes, Marten de Roon made his debut, coming on with six minutes remaining. The final whistle sealed another dominant performance by Gasperini’s team: two wins, eight goals scored, and none conceded. Roma are already atop the standings and have sent a strong message to the league. Lecce, on the other hand, remains stuck on 3 points after its victory on the road against Venezia on opening day.