Former Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen scored a brace to help Roma to a commanding 4-0 Serie A victory away at Lecce on Monday. The Dutch international's double took his remarkable tally to 19 goals from just 20 league appearances since his January transfer from Villa Park, as reported by The 42.
Roma's perfect start to the season continued with this result, following a 4-0 win over Fiorentina last week. Matias Soule, rumoured to be departing the club, added a third goal on 25 minutes before 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder Rodrigo Mora completed the rout just after the hour mark. Veteran coach Gian Piero Gasperini, 68, praised his team's performance as top calibre.
How has Malen adapted to his new role?
Gasperini has deployed Malen centrally, a move the manager described as a successful gamble. "He has this ability to control, turn and accelerate all within moments, which are extraordinary characteristics for a centre-forward," Gasperini said. "Both of us, me and him, wanted him to play in this role." The coach labelled the signing "a gamble that paid off," highlighting the player's explosive qualities in a role he has embraced.
What is the context of Roma's strong start?
The win puts Roma on six points from two matches, level with Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Lazio, and Atalanta, who beat Bologna 1-0 on Monday with a Lazar Samardzic goal deep in added time. Gasperini's side is operating under financial constraints, keeping the squad on a modest wage bill despite a heavy schedule. Their early form suggests they are managing these challenges effectively.
Where does this leave Aston Villa?
While their former player thrives in Italy, Aston Villa's own Premier League campaign has begun with a defeat. Unai Emery's side currently sits 17th in the standings with zero points from one game, having lost their opener. They have scored zero goals and conceded four, leaving them with a -4 goal difference and already six points behind early leaders Manchester City. The immediate focus shifts to correcting this start in their next match.
What is next for Aston Villa?
Villa's next fixture is a trip to face high-flying Hull City, who are second in the table, on Saturday, 5 September 2026. It represents a significant early test as they look to get points on the board. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our dedicated fixtures page. The club will hope for a positive result to build momentum before the international break.
