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ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Bryan Cristante of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Bryan Cristante has heaped praise on Donyell Malen ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Capitale, describing the Dutch forward as a devastating presence inside the penalty area just days after Roma closed in on making his move from Aston Villa permanent due to their, at minimum, qualification for the Europa League.
Speaking to Serie A’s official channels, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Roma midfielder was effusive about the impact Malen has made since joining on loan in January.
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“He is strong, inside the area he is devastating,” Cristante said. “He has quickness in his control, in moving the ball, in shooting, and he is composed in front of goal. For us he is an extra weapon. We are keeping him close and we hope he continues like this in these last two matches.”
Cristante warns derby demands balance of heart and quality as Roma Champions League dream alive
Cristante also reflected on Roma’s collective growth under Gian Piero Gasperini. “We were good at following the coach even in difficult moments,” he said. “We always stayed on his wavelength and did what he asked. With time we have learned his patterns more and more. Our strength has been never abandoning the coach’s ideas.”
On the Champions League race, Cristante was determined. “It is our objective and we have had a great season, it would be a shame to throw it away at the end,” he said. “It does not depend only on us, but we will give everything to get back into the Champions League. We deserve it.”
The Roma vice-captain was equally thoughtful on the derby itself, cautioning against letting emotion override clarity. “The derby is always the derby, form does not matter,” he said.
“Both teams will give something extra. You need a good mix of everything to win it. If you put in too much heart you lose the clarity to win, and vice versa. You need to stay balanced while giving that something extra.”
