Malen double lifts Roma level with Juventus

Donyell Malen netted twice to secure a 2-0 victory for Roma against Cagliari on Monday, propelling them alongside Juventus in fourth position in Serie A.

The quick Dutch striker joined Roma on loan from Aston Villa in January, aiming to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperinis team in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Malen opened the scoring with a sharp angled effort that nestled in the top corner of Cagliari's goal on 25 minutes, before adding a second by latching onto a pass and slotting past the goalkeeper in a one on one situation on 65 minutes.

Following Juventus concession of two points in their home draw versus Lazio on Sunday, both sides now share 46 points, with 14 games remaining.

Inter Milan lead Serie A comfortably with 58 points, eight clear of AC Milan, as Napoli hold third spot on 49 points ahead of hosting Roma this weekend.

Roma claimed the UEFA Conference League title and advanced to the Europa League final in recent seasons, yet their last appearance in the premier European club tournament came in 2018/19, ending with a last 16 exit to Porto.

On Monday afternoon, Atalanta overcame a late scare to defeat relegation threatened Cremonese 2-1, extending their solid form of three victories and two draws in the past five league outings.

Goals from Nikola Krstovic and Davide Zappacosta gave Atalanta a two goal lead inside 25 minutes, though Morten Thorsbys strike for Cremonese in added time made for a tense finish.

Atalanta trail sixth placed Como by two points in the race for the UEFA Conference League qualification place.