Roma and Inter will take two different kinds of forward into their meeting at the Olimpico: Donyell Malen’s sudden running towards goal and Lautaro Martinez’s broader command of the attack. Marco Delvecchio, who played for both clubs, sees no clear overall winner between the pair, calling them Serie A’s two outstanding strikers.
The decision
Delvecchio’s comparison produces a split verdict rather than a final choice. Malen receives the higher marks in the areas closest to immediate danger: movement beyond defenders, first touch, individual invention and one-on-one finishing. Lautaro comes out ahead when the contest requires presence, combination play and force.
In the final third, Delvecchio gives Malen a 9 and Lautaro an 8. The Dutch forward’s speed in getting into scoring positions stood out, as did his ability to create a goal in a moment. Looking towards the end of the campaign, Delvecchio’s prediction is 25 goals for Malen and 20 for the Inter captain.
Malen also earns a 9 for attacking space, against Lautaro’s 8. Delvecchio believes Lautaro contributes across a wider area and serves the team more consistently, while Malen is particularly difficult to contain when he stays on the defensive line and recognises the moment to sprint in behind.
The same 9-8 advantage goes to Malen for control and individual skill. His opening touch, in Delvecchio’s view, regularly takes him away from an opponent and makes him the more natural choice to solve a difficult situation alone.
Lautaro’s strengths are found elsewhere. He is rated 9 to Malen’s 8 in the air, with the Argentine considered more instinctive when attacking high balls. His largest advantage comes in his ability to receive with his back to goal and bring others into play: Lautaro is given a 9, Malen a 7.
That difference reflects two distinct profiles. Malen is not judged as a forward who routinely comes short to shield possession and move his side up the pitch. His game is based more on depth, open grass and acceleration. Lautaro, meanwhile, is seen as the more complete focal point for a team attack.
For shooting, Delvecchio again favours Lautaro, 9 to 8, citing greater power and coordination. Malen may get his effort away more quickly, but Lautaro’s finishing repertoire is considered broader.
There is parity in physical confrontation, with both players rated 8. Lautaro is stronger in contact and more willing to fight the defender directly; Malen’s strength lies in escaping the challenge before it can develop.
The final category returns the edge to Malen, 9 to 8, when faced with the goalkeeper. Delvecchio regards the Dutchman as the more unpredictable of the two in that instant, capable of producing a finish without warning.
Sunday’s picture
The Olimpico contest may therefore turn on which sort of striker can impose his match. Roma will look to Malen’s breaks, sharp control and instinct around the box. Inter have Lautaro’s work between the lines, aerial threat and ability to connect the attacking structure.
For Delvecchio, the choice is not between a better and a lesser forward. It is a meeting shaped by contrasting qualities, with the two players carrying much of the responsibility for how Roma-Inter unfolds.
