Donyell Malen starts the new Serie A season in fabulous fashion with a pinpoint hat-trick for AS Roma

Donyell Malen has hit the ground running in the new Serie A season. The Dutchman starred on Monday night with a perfect hat-trick as AS Roma cruised to a commanding 4-0 win over Fiorentina. The victory sends Roma top of the table.

Roma had already taken Malen on loan from Aston Villa for six months last season. The forward made a huge impression in the capital, producing 15 goals and three assists in 20 competitive appearances.

That convinced Roma to sign him permanently from the English club last summer. Malen completed his move to Italy for a fee of €25 million.

Roma will have no regrets about that deal so far. Malen stole the show straight away on Monday night in the opening match of the new season.

Mario Hermoso had a goal ruled out for offside before Malen broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. The striker took the ball at his feet in the penalty area and bundled it over the line for 1-0.

Then Malen struck twice more inside 15 minutes in the second half. He first rifled the 2-0 high into the near top corner with his left foot, then soon after completed his hat-trick from a Paulo Dybala cut-back to make it 3-0.

Following a fully deserved standing ovation as Malen went off, Roma still had time for one more. Niccolò Pisilli bundled in the 4-0 to put the cherry on the Roman cake.