SpotlightFootball ItaliaUnverified source· 4 Sept 2026
Gasperini backs Malen to chase Serie A scoring record
Roma's Donyell Malen has five goals in two games, and his coach sees Higuain's record in reach.
D. Malen
player
Age
27
Position
Centre-forward
Club
Roma
Key stat
5 goals in opening two Serie A games
What happened. Gasperini said he wouldn't be surprised if Malen challenges Higuain's 36-goal Serie A record, praising his improvement in a central role.
- Malen scored 14 goals in the second half of last season on loan.
- Roma made his move permanent for €25m.
- Gasperini noted Malen's hunger but criticized a careless second goal against Lecce.
“With the second, he sets himself; with the third, he shoots. I told myself: if I move those three touches closer to the goal, he becomes lethal. And indeed…”
— Gian Piero Gasperini
Malen's hot start could fuel Roma's title ambitions if he maintains his scoring form.
In this story
G. GasperiniMore to read
Football Italia
Gasperini hails ‘world-class’ Malen and Dybala as ‘extraordinary’ Roma smash Fiorentina
Football Italia
Gasperini appears to close door on Zaha and Roma links
Football Italia
Gasperini: ‘Dybala will try today, Roma must show strength against Atalanta’
FootItalia
Roma Boss Denies Blocking Manu Koné’s Chelsea Move Amid Club’s Financial Reality
FootItalia
Gasperini Backs Malen To Chase Down Donyell Higuain’s Serie A Record
