Matchday Intelligence • AS Roma
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 at 18:17 BST

Roma's Perfect Start: Malen Leads the Line Ahead of Inter Showdown

Roma maintain a perfect Serie A record, with Donyell Malen in prolific form, as they prepare for a crucial clash against Inter.

Video from Roma's official channel

🎥 TUNNEL CAM | TORINO 0-2 ROMA AS Roma ·

Executive Intelligence: Key Takeaways

  • Roma has achieved a perfect start to the Serie A season, winning all four of their opening matches.
  • Donyell Malen has been instrumental, scoring six goals in four league games, a feat not seen since Francesco Totti.
  • Key players like Leonardo Balerdi and Nahuel Molina have made their first starts, contributing to the team's strong performances.

Roma’s Unblemished Serie A Start

AS Roma has commenced their Serie A season in spectacular fashion, maintaining a flawless record with four wins from four matches. Their latest triumph was a convincing 2-0 victory over Torino, a result that solidified their position at the top of the league table [1]. This perfect run includes notable wins against Atalanta BC and US Lecce, alongside a dominant 4-0 performance against ACF Fiorentina. The team’s offensive prowess has been evident, with 12 goals scored across these four league fixtures, while their defense has remained resolute, conceding only a single goal. This strong start has generated significant momentum as they look ahead to a pivotal encounter with Inter Milan, another team boasting a 100% win record in the league. The consistency shown in these early matches suggests a well-drilled side capable of competing at the highest level, with both established stars and new faces contributing to their success. The upcoming match against Inter will be a true test of their early season form and title aspirations.

Malen’s Historic Goal-Scoring Spree

Donyell Malen has been the standout performer for Roma, making an immediate impact since his winter transfer from Aston Villa [2]. The forward has been in prolific form, scoring an impressive six goals in the opening four league matches, which places him at the top of the Serie A scoring charts [2]. This remarkable achievement makes Malen the first Roma player since the legendary Francesco Totti to score six or more goals within the first four league games of a season, a testament to his exceptional start [2]. His partnership with Paulo Dybala has already proven fruitful, with Dybala assisting Malen for the opening goal against Torino [2]. Malen’s consistent goal-scoring has been a crucial factor in Roma’s perfect league record, providing the cutting edge needed to secure victories. His ability to find the back of the net with such regularity will be vital as Roma navigates the challenges of the Serie A season and their upcoming high-stakes fixtures.

Squad Adjustments and Injury Concerns

Roma’s recent matches have seen some notable changes in the starting lineup and have brought about a few injury concerns. Leonardo Balerdi and Nahuel Molina both made their first starts for the club, with Balerdi earning praise from coach Gian Piero Gasperini for his defensive qualities [3]. Niccolò Pisilli, who scored in stoppage time against Torino, later collapsed with cramp, raising doubts about his immediate availability [3]. Additionally, the team is currently dealing with several confirmed injuries, as Evan Ndicka, Wesley, and Manu Koné all sustained knocks and are currently out of action [1]. These absences could test the depth of the squad, particularly as Roma prepares for a demanding schedule, including their upcoming clash against Inter Milan. The management will need to carefully assess the fitness of their players and make strategic decisions to maintain their strong form while managing player welfare.

What it means

Roma’s current standing at the pinnacle of Serie A, with 12 points from four games, underscores their dominant start to the season. Their perfect record of four wins, zero draws, and zero losses, coupled with an impressive goal difference of 11 (12 goals scored, 1 conceded), highlights both their offensive firepower and defensive solidity. The team’s recent form, including a 2-0 away win against Torino and a 2-1 home victory over Atalanta, demonstrates their ability to perform consistently against varied opposition. While a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League shows they can be held, their league performances have been exceptional. The next fixture, a home match against Inter Milan, is set to be a monumental clash between two teams with identical perfect league records. This encounter will be a significant test of Roma’s title credentials and could set the tone for the rest of their season. The outcome will be crucial in determining who establishes an early lead in the Serie A title race.

Sources

  1. Football Italia: Serie A | Torino 0-2 Roma: Malen and Pisilli maintain perfect start football-italia.net
  2. Football Italia: Malen matches Totti feat with opening goal in Torino vs. Roma football-italia.net
  3. Football Italia: Gasperini: ‘Roma improvement, Balerdi like Baresi, now for best Inter test’ football-italia.net

🤖 Written by predict.game's models from the sources listed. How our content is made →

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✓ Torino 0-2 Roma
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