Malen nets hat-trick as Roma crush Pisa to consolidate European position

Roma had not drawn a blank in any of their previous 66 league fixtures, and they surged ahead after only three minutes when Donyell Malen embarked on a dazzling individual effort before rifling the ball beyond the stranded Adrian Semper.

Bryan Cristante nearly made it two with a powerful header from a set-piece corner that was expertly stopped, while the Giallorossi were in full flow.

Still, they needed until the closing moments of the opening period to net their next, with Malen securing his second via a composed strike following a precise pass from Devyne Rensch.

Lorenzo Pellegrini had earlier rattled the crossbar with a powerful free-kick, leaving Pisa desperately trying to silence the rampant home side.

That said, Malthe Højholt missed a chance to pull one back soon after the restart, though Mile Svilar was on hand to deny his attempt from distance.

The lapse proved expensive for the visitors, as Roma sealed victory shortly afterwards when Matías Soulé supplied Malen, who slotted home with ease into the bottom corner to complete his treble.

Pisa were effectively finished, yet Stefano Moreo forced Svilar into another save just before the hour with a headed effort from a dead-ball situation.

The hosts predictably eased up towards the end, allowing Pisa to push for a token goal in reply.

Rafiu Durosinmi attempted a long-range strike, but it lacked the power to challenge Svilar, ensuring the away team have now suffered a league-leading 14 scoreless defeats and stay anchored at the foot of the standings, heading straight back to Serie B.

By comparison, Roma claimed their 14th league victory without leaking a goal, a tally surpassed only by leaders Inter Milan with 15, while they preserve a perfect record against relegation-threatened opponents this season (W5).