Malen Has Higuain's Record in His Sights and Dybala Talk Is Nonsense, Says Gasperini

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini has delivered a glowing endorsement of in-form forward Donyell Malen, suggesting the Dutchman's sensational scoring streak could put Gonzalo Higuain's all-time Serie A record under genuine threat — while flatly rejecting any suggestion of a problem with Paulo Dybala. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Football Italia, Gasperini was pressed on Malen's extraordinary run in front of goal since arriving in the Italian capital. Higuain's 36-goal haul for Napoli in 2015-16 remains the single-season benchmark in Italian football, and the Roma coach did not shy away from the idea that his current striker is on a trajectory that drags that long-standing record back into the conversation. Malen's movement, relentless pressing and clinical finishing have made him the perfect fit for Gasperini's high-intensity system, and his goals have transformed Roma into one of the most feared attacking units in the division. For a player who arrived with questions about his consistency, his response on the pitch has been emphatic — and his coach has clearly taken notice. The conversation then turned to Dybala, with speculation mounting in the Italian media about the playmaker's reduced role and supposed tension with the bench. Gasperini cut the narrative dead in its tracks, replying with a rhetorical flourish: "How many games has Messi missed?" His point was simple — even the greatest players of all time sit out matches, and managing minutes is part of modern football, not a sign of internal conflict. The coach insisted Dybala remains a central figure in his project at the Stadio Olimpico. Both storylines carry extra weight with the FIFA World Cup 2026 looming large on the horizon. Malen's blistering club form sends an unmistakable message to the Netherlands camp ahead of the tournament in North America, where the Oranje will fancy their chances of a deep run. Meanwhile, Dybala's fitness and rhythm could prove crucial to Argentina as the defending champions prepare to defend their crown across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For Gasperini, the challenge is keeping both narratives moving in the right direction: feeding Malen's record pursuit without burning him out, and ensuring Dybala peaks at the right moment. If he manages it, Roma's season — and two World Cup contenders — could benefit enormously. With every goal Malen scores and every cameo Dybala delivers between now and June, the World Cup 2026 subplot deepens. Football Italia's report makes one thing clear: in Gasperini's eyes, Roma have two elite weapons, and neither storyline is a problem — they are privileges.