ROME (AP) — Donyell Malen scored a hat trick and Roma beat Pisa 3-0 on Friday, handing the bottom club in Serie A their seventh loss in eight games.
Robbery Malen broke through the Pisa defense to open the scoring just three minutes later, before scoring his second from close range two minutes before the end to extend Roma’s lead to two points.
The third goal came seven minutes into the second half from a wonderful through ball from Matthias Soule, which Malen calmly sent through.
The Dutch striker has been outstanding since joining Roma on loan from Aston Villa in January. Friday’s goal brings his tally in the first half of the season to 10 in 12 league games.
Still, the result was only Roma’s second win in eight games, and during that downturn they were eliminated from the Europa League, losing 5-2 to Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Roma have moved up to sixth place, level on points with Juventus, who play Atalanta on Saturday. Roma were also one point behind Como, who host Inter on Sunday.
Pisa are yet to win away from home all season and Friday’s loss left them at the bottom of the table behind Verona on goal difference.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
