ROME – AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has openly mused about how different the season might have been had Donyell Malen joined the club earlier, following the Dutch forward’s impressive start to life in the Italian capital. Malen, who has quickly become a key player for I Lupi, scored twice in a 2-2 draw against Napoli on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, showcasing the impact he’s already having on the team.
The 27-year-old forward has netted five goals in his first five Serie A appearances, revitalizing Roma’s attack. Gasperini expressed his satisfaction with Malen’s immediate contribution, highlighting his suitability to the team’s playing style. This performance comes as a welcome boost for Roma, who previously struggled for goals from Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson, who have been hampered by injuries.
“I always believed Malen possessed the ideal characteristics for my footballing philosophy,” Gasperini stated, as reported by Football Italia. “He’s a complete striker – capable of quick shots, rapid movement, and combining effectively with teammates. This team needed a player like him, someone who consistently finds the back of the net and positions himself in dangerous areas.”
Roma’s draw against Napoli saw them twice take the lead through Malen, only to be pegged back by goals from Leonardo Spinazzola and Alisson Santos. Despite not securing all three points, Gasperini remains optimistic about the team’s potential, particularly with the anticipated return of key players like Paulo Dybala, Jayden Soule, and Stephan El Shaarawy.
However, Gasperini couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if Malen had arrived sooner. “I’m not afraid to say that if we’d had Malen in the first half of the season, we would have accumulated more points,” he admitted. “But our overall approach has remained consistent.”
Malen’s Immediate Impact on Roma’s Attack
Prior to Malen’s arrival, Roma’s attacking options were limited. Dovbyk had managed just three goals in 17 appearances, whereas Ferguson found the net five times in 22 games. Both players were as well sidelined with injuries, leaving Roma short of firepower. Malen’s loan signing from Aston Villa has immediately addressed this issue, providing a much-needed goal threat.
The Dutch forward’s ability to score from various positions and his link-up play have added a new dimension to Roma’s attack. His two goals against Napoli demonstrated his clinical finishing and his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. He converted a penalty in the 71st minute, adding to his seventh-minute opener.
Serie A Standings and Roma’s Position
As of February 16, 2026, Roma occupies the fourth position in the Serie A standings with 47 points from 25 matches. They trail league leaders Inter Milan by 11 points, following Inter’s 3-2 victory over Juventus on Saturday, and are three points behind Napoli. They hold a one-point advantage over Juventus in the race for a Champions League spot. The Associated Press reported on the weekend’s results.
Looking Ahead for Roma
With Malen now settled into the team, and with key players returning from injury, Roma will be looking to build momentum and secure a Champions League berth. Gasperini’s side faces a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks, but the arrival of Malen has undoubtedly given them a significant boost. The team’s positive attitude, as highlighted by Gasperini, will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The focus now shifts to Roma’s upcoming matches and their ability to capitalize on Malen’s form. The team will need to maintain their positive momentum and continue to improve as a collective unit if they are to achieve their goals this season. Fans will be eagerly anticipating further contributions from their new star striker and hoping for a strong finish to the campaign.
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