Ex-Aston Villa striker Malen ‘explosive like dynamite’ in Roma 2-0 win, Italian media say

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: Donyell Malen #14 with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on February 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Doneyll Malen earned praise from Italian media after scoring a brace in Roma’s 2-0 win over Cagliari: ‘explosive like dynamite,’ wrote Corriere dello Sport.

Malen has had a tremendous impact at Roma, scoring three goals in his opening four Serie A appearances. His last two, scored in a home game against Cagliari on Monday, allowed the Giallorossi to catch Juventus in the top four.

🇳🇱 🎩 🪄#ASRoma #RomaCagliari pic.twitter.com/YO1sM5L900

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 10, 2026

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini was clearly delighted with the Dutchman’s performance, and the coach’s words of praise were echoed by Italian newspapers.

Malen resulted as the obvious Man of the Match in all Italian sports papers.

He was rated 8/10 by Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta.

Italian media react to Malen’s brace in Roma 2-0 Cagliari

“Explosive like dynamite, delicate as a caress,” wrote Corriere dello Sport.

“The first goal, beautiful, was a tribute to his qualities as a mobile centre-forward. The second, just as valuable, showed a boundless hunger. Side note: when he accelerated and hit top gear, he became uncatachable.”

Gazzetta added: “Worthy of a manual of attacking football for how he made his runs, called for the pass and finished. Extraordinary. The first goal was a gem, on the second, he was flawless.”

Malen joined Roma from Aston Villa on an initial loan deal with an option to buy in the January transfer window.

Roma’s option to buy for €25m becomes mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League or the Conference League this season.

Celik ➡️ Malen 🟰 💥#ASRoma #RomaCagliari pic.twitter.com/0Gdfw9Qsvp

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) February 10, 2026