The Argentine created all three goals in Donyell Malen’s hat-trick before substitute Nicolò Pisilli completed the rout at the Stadio Olimpico.
It was the first time Dybala had registered three assists in a match since moving to Italy. After a summer shaped by contractual uncertainty, his response on the pitch could hardly have been stronger.
Dybala creates, Malen finishes
Roma immediately pushed Fiorentina deep into their own half. Dybala threatened with two early efforts before opening the visitors’ defence in the 27th minute.
He carried the ball through several challenges and found Malen near the penalty spot. The Dutchman adjusted it with his heel before beating David de Gea, according to ANSA’s match report.
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Fiorentina attempted to respond after half-time, but Roma punished the additional space. Dybala controlled a long pass and released Malen, who drove a powerful finish past De Gea at the near post in the 52nd minute.
Their third combination arrived only eight minutes later. Dybala moved into the penalty area and squared for Malen to complete his hat-trick.
Pisilli added the fourth goal in the 86th minute after recently entering from the bench. Roma’s pressing and defensive intensity had restricted Fiorentina to only eight touches in the attacking third, as described by Chiesa di Totti.
A partnership producing extraordinary numbers
Dybala and Malen have now started seven competitive matches together. Malen has scored seven times in those games, with six of the goals created by the Argentine.
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The hat-trick also took Malen to 17 goals in 19 Serie A appearances during 2026. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that no Roma player had previously scored more in a calendar year during the three-points-for-a-win era.
Gabriel Batistuta held the previous mark with 15 goals during Roma’s 2001 title year. Malen has already surpassed that figure with four months of 2026 remaining.
Dybala’s creativity has been central to the Dutchman’s rise. Malen described playing alongside him as a blessing, while Dybala praised the striker’s ability to recognise passing lanes.
“I wanted to stay”
Dybala’s future had been uncertain earlier in the summer. His previous contract expired on June 30, briefly leaving him without a club before he signed a new one-year agreement.
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The extension, confirmed on July 13, keeps the 32-year-old at Roma until June 2027. He reportedly accepted a substantial reduction from his previous salary, according to Football Italia.
Following the Fiorentina victory, Dybala insisted that leaving had never been his preferred outcome.
“I wanted to stay,” the forward told DAZN in comments published by ANSA.
He also made Roma’s ambition clear. After finishing third last season, Dybala said improvement was possible because there were still two places above them.
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Gasperini sees Dybala as the difference
Gian Piero Gasperini was equally direct in his assessment. The Roma coach believes Dybala can be decisive if the club is to challenge for something greater.
“He is the key,” Gasperini said, quoted by ANSA.
Gasperini added that Dybala had completed the full pre-season after being repeatedly interrupted by injuries during the previous campaign. He rejected the suggestion that the Argentine was physically fragile and described him as one of Serie A’s finest players.
One match cannot decide a title race. Yet three assists, a record-breaking partner and a four-goal opening victory offer convincing evidence that Dybala remains the player capable of lifting Roma beyond third place.
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