Gasperini has more power than Mourinho at Roma: Can he make Malen the next Higuaín? | OneFootball

Lorenzo Bettoni and Wayne Girard take a closer look at Roma’s impressive start to the season under Gian Piero Gasperini, examining how the new coach has quickly stamped his authority on the Giallorossi.

They discuss the growing influence and power Gasperini appears to have within the club, arguably more than any of his predecessors, including José Mourinho, and what that could mean for Roma’s ambitions this season.

VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gestures to his players during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

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The pair also turn their attention to Donyell Malen and the role Gasperini could play in unlocking the striker’s full potential. Could the Roma boss help Malen mount a serious challenge for Gonzalo Higuaín’s remarkable 36-goal Serie A record?

With the season still in its early stages, they assess just how realistic that target is and whether Roma could have a genuine title contender—and record-breaking goalscorer—on their hands.

Watch the full show below: