AS Roma began their new Serie A season with a 4-0 win over Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, with Malen scoring a hat-trick and Pisilli adding a fourth goal in the closing stages.
Malen struck in the 27th, 52nd and 60th minutes, with Dybala providing the assist for all three goals. Pisilli, who had come on as a substitute, made it 4-0 in the 86th minute.
Roma dominant from kick-off
Under referee Matteo Marcenaro, Roma controlled the match from the start and restricted Fiorentina to just two shots on goal, neither of which caused real danger. Gasperini's side created several chances of their own before finally breaking through in the 27th minute.
Cristante received the ball from a defender and carried it into Fiorentina's half before laying it off to Dybala, who ran into the penalty area. With defenders focused on him, Dybala spotted an unmarked Malen, who opened his account for the new campaign.
Malen completes his hat-trick
Fiorentina had their best spell of the match at the start of the second half, and Kone was booked for a foul on Mastantuono. Roma responded almost immediately: Hermoso found Dybala, who set up Malen for his second goal with a simple two-pass move.
Malen completed his hat-trick shortly after the hour mark, again assisted by Dybala, who drove to the byline and cut the ball back for Malen to score from close range. Dybala was substituted soon afterwards to a standing ovation from the crowd at the Stadio Olimpico.
Pisilli adds a fourth
Gasperini's changes disrupted Roma's rhythm slightly as the match wore on, and Grosso's players pushed to reduce the deficit in the closing stages. Kean led that effort, twice testing goalkeeper Svilar, who produced strong saves to keep the clean sheet intact. Pisilli, who had replaced Kone, added the fourth goal in the 86th minute.
Contrasting fortunes
Roma finished third in Serie A last season, securing a place in the Champions League, Europe's leading club competition, after winning their final five matches and collecting 19 points from their last seven games. Fiorentina, by contrast, endured their worst campaign in seven years, finishing 15th with just nine wins and 41 points, a run that cost Paolo Vanoli his job. Grosso took charge for the new season but has yet to find an immediate fix.
Team news
Roma started with Svilar in goal, Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso and Lulli in defence, Cristante, Kone and Wesley Franca in midfield, and Dybala, Mora and Malen forward. Hermoso, Kone, Dybala, Mora and Malen were replaced during the second half by Koulierakis, Pisilli, El Aynaoui, Soule and Castro.
Fiorentina lined up with De Gea in goal, Dodo, Dragusin and Ranieri in defence, and Joao Mario, Ndour, Fagioli, Brescianini, Mastantuono, Atta and Pellegrino further forward. Grosso brought on Oulai, Jimenez, Kean, Mandragora and Valdepenas during the match.
What's next
The result puts Roma top of the Serie A table after the opening round of matches. They travel to face third-placed Lecce, who beat Venezia on Saturday, on Monday 31 August. Fiorentina will look to respond in front of their own supporters against Frosinone.
