Donyell Malen delivered a masterclass in attacking efficiency with a brilliant hat trick, leading Roma to a resounding 4-0 victory over Fiorentina to kick off their Serie A campaign in style.
Malen Hat Trick Powers Roma Past Fiorentina
According to match reports, Malen capitalized on three precise assists from Paolo Dybala, finding the back of the net in the 27th, 52nd, and 60th minutes. The dominant display at the opening weekend elevated Roma into the upper echelon of the Italian top flight, cementing their status as one of nine clubs holding a flawless record. The commanding win established Roma among the early pacesetters of the Serie A standings, as substitute Niccolò Pisilli added a fourth goal four minutes before the final whistle to cap off the rout. Dybala’s creative vision unlocked Fiorentina’s backline repeatedly, allowing Malen to secure the match ball.
Frattesi Secures Hard-Fought Debut Win for Lazio
Across the Italian capital, rival club Lazio also celebrated a winning start under new guidance.
Substitute Davide Frattesi broke the deadlock just five minutes into his debut for Lazio, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory away against Bologna. The result provided immense relief for Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso. The victory arrived just one week after the club suffered a shocking elimination in the Coppa Italia at the hands of Serie B side Mantova.
Alonso Era Begins with Chelsea Derby Victory
Meanwhile, in the English Premier League, Xabi Alonso began his tenure at Chelsea with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham in a London derby.
Chelsea struck within the opening 32 seconds through Brazilian forward João Pedro, though Fulham responded midway through the first half courtesy of Josh King. Club record signing Morgan Rogers restored Chelsea’s advantage four minutes before halftime, and Cole Palmer extended the lead to 3-1 shortly after the break. Fulham fought back when Gonzalo García headed home from close range in the 50th minute, forcing a frantic finish at Craven Cottage. Despite late pressure from the hosts, Alonso’s side held firm to secure all three points, dealing a frustrating debut to Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
Wolfsburg and Schalke Survive German Cup Scares
European cup competitions also delivered high drama.
In the DFB-Pokal in Germany, Wolfsburg narrowly avoided a stunning upset against fourth-division side Altglienicke. Wolfsburg had to rally three times during regulation and extra time to level the score at 3-3 before prevailing 6-5 in a tense penalty shootout. Schalke similarly survived an early-round scare against lower-tier opposition. Level at 2-2 after ninety minutes against fourth-division club Hallescher, the recently promoted Bundesliga side scored three goals in extra time to advance safely to the second round. Elsewhere in German cup action, Cologne defeated Würzburger Kickers on the back of a double from Isak Johannesson, while Hamburg cruised past Verl with a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.
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