Malen Strikes as Roma Claims Vital Away Win Over Bologna in Serie A

Donyell Malen has truly been a game-changer for Roma since his arrival in January, and he wasted no time in proving his worth, scoring with the very first attempt of the match just seven minutes in.

The Dutch international nearly added a second goal midway through the first half, showcasing his skill by turning past Jhon Lucumi and attempting to lob the ball over Federico Ravaglia, only for it to drift narrowly wide of the post.

Bologna began to exert some offensive pressure around the half-hour mark, with Riccardo Orsolini’s strong shot being expertly saved by Mile Svilar.

There was no doubt that Gian Piero Gasperini’s team was the more dominant side in the first half, and they rightfully extended their lead in stoppage time with Neil El Aynaoui’s close-range effort, set up by a brilliant cross from Malen.

The hosts started the second half with increased urgency, nearly reducing the deficit at the 55-minute mark when Orsolini blazed over from a promising position.

Nevertheless, he almost gifted his team a crucial lifeline shortly after, as a thunderous shot ricocheted off the post, signalling that the game wasn’t over just yet.

Although Bologna upped their game, Roma’s superiority in the first period ultimately provided the necessary edge, as they held firm against a well-organised defence.

Gasperini’s side opted to consolidate their advantage, and this strategy rewarded them with three essential points by the final whistle.

Roma now sits in fifth place in Serie A, just two points behind fourth-placed Juventus—though the Old Lady has a match in hand over La Lupa.

On the other hand, Bologna’s chances of sneaking into European competition next season appear bleak, as they remain in eighth position with only four matches left to play.

Check out the match stats here.