Malen nets 101st-minute decider for vital Roma win against Parma

Roma remained in the race to qualify for Europes elite competition after an absence of eight years and it seemed at first that the Giallorossi had boosted their chances significantly when Malens ninth minute shot past Zion Suzuki. Yet the offside decision came to Parmas rescue halting the visitors leading marksman from claiming his 12th strike of the season after he was slightly offside during the buildup.

After a short period of calm the referee Daniele Chiffi drew focus once more as he dismissed Romas appeals for a spot kick following Gianluca Mancinis fall in the box from a strong tackle.

That said Gian Piero Gasperinis team quickly found a way through soon afterwards. Set up perfectly by Paulo Dybalas incisive through ball Malens initial control with his knee was masterful enabling him to unleash a fierce shot into the net just two minutes on.

Matias Soule almost made it two with a header in the 29th minute but the upright came to Parmas aid once again ensuring they trailed by just one at the break.

Having benched their main goal threat Mateo Pellegrino Parma required a replacement for the forward. Gabriel Strefezza stepped up grabbing onto Hans Nicolussi Cavviglias accurate delivery and slotting past Mile Svilar neatly only three minutes into the second half.

The equaliser barely held for four minutes before Malen found himself through on goal yet again only to be thwarted by Suzukis sharp stop.

The match turned into a thrilling back and forth affair thereafter with the fresh Pellegrino seeming to put Parma ahead via a header though offside intervened denying the strikers attempt.

Malen and Suzuki clashed personally around the 73rd minute with the keeper prevailing yet again through a clever block to maintain the tie.

In the end Romas tough day deteriorated further as Mandela Keita seemingly secured victory for Parma with a fine effort from the penalty area his initial top flight strike since the 2022/23 campaign.

Gasperinis squad hit back immediately as replacement Devyne Rensch levelled matters by deftly directing the ball into the distant corner during the fourth added minute.

The Dutch player was then brought down inside the box offering Malen the opportunity to clinch it from the spot which he converted in the 101st minute.

Sascha Britschgi was at fault earning a second booking for his actions on this key day for Roma who temporarily match fourth placed AC Milan on points.