Malen’s scoring revival at Roma contrasts his World Cup drought

While Donyell Malen failed to find the net for the Netherlands at the World Cup, he opened his spell at AS Roma with a goal in the club’s first pre‑season friendly, underscoring a stark contrast between his international drought and his immediate impact in Italy.

Malen, the Oranje‑international, netted one of three goals for the Romeinen against the French side Cannes, marking his first strike for his new Italian employer.

After a short holiday he reported back to AS Roma, which had recently secured his permanent transfer from Aston Villa following a successful loan spell.

On the indication of Paulo Dybala, Malen added the second goal, putting the visitors 0‑2 up from open play.

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The match ended 3‑3, with Cannes – a third‑tier club in France – conceding three times; Dybala supplied the other two Roman goals, including a fine free‑kick.

In the coming weeks Malen will feature in four more friendlies before the Serie A campaign kicks off on 24 August against Fiorentina, with upcoming opponents Cardiff City, Newport County, Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund.

The contrast between Malen’s barren World Cup record for Oranje and his early scoring form for Roma highlights a potential boost for the Italian side ahead of the season, while his international fortunes remain unchanged.

The original Dutch report began with the word “De”, reflecting its source language.