Malen scores as Roma claim vital away win over Bologna in Serie A

Donyell Malen has proved a game changer for Roma since his January arrival with the Giallorossi, quickly stamping his mark by netting with the opening shot after only seven minutes.

The Dutch forward nearly added another goal during the first half, twisting away from Jhon Lucumi and chipping over Federico Ravaglia, though the ball drifted narrowly past the post.

Bologna started to threaten around the 30 minute mark, with Riccardo Orsolini unleashing a powerful shot that Mile Svilar stopped with a sharp save.

Roma clearly controlled the opening period under Gian Piero Gasperini, earning their lead and extending it right at the interval via Neil El Aynaoui's tap in from a brilliant Malen cross.

The home team pushed harder after the break, missing a chance to cut the gap on 55 minutes when Orsolini lifted the ball high from a good spot.

Soon after, he nearly sparked a comeback, rattling the frame of the goal and alerting Roma that Bologna remained dangerous.

Even with Bologna stepping up, Roma's solid first half performance sealed the outcome, as the visitors held firm against the hosts' pressure with a compact and resolute backline.

Gasperini's squad comfortably managed the game to secure the points at the end.

Roma hold fifth place in Serie A, trailing fourth placed Juventus by two points, though the leaders have an extra fixture to come.

Bologna's hopes of European football fade further, stuck in eighth with four games remaining.