The 27-year-old AS Roma striker, who joined the Italian club on a permanent deal from Aston Villa for around 25 million euros, scored two goals against Lecce after previously netting three against Fiorentina. This brings his season total to five goals after just two matches. Malen, a former player of PSV, Borussia Dortmund, and Aston Villa, is forming a deadly front line with Paulo Dybala at AS Roma, but he is not satisfied with his current form.
Malen expressed his disappointment at not scoring a second consecutive hat-trick, which was achieved by Pedro Manfredini in the 1960/61 season. "I'm proud, but today I could have scored a few more goals. I'm a bit disappointed about that," Malen told DAZN.