Serie A’s fifth round offers an early-season measure of ambition, from Roma’s meeting with Inter at the top end of the table to clubs such as Como and Parma seeking momentum from their attacking options. For fantasy managers, Donyell Malen, Assane Diao and David Romero arrive at the round with very different roles but clear reasons to be considered.
Serie A Matchday 5: Malen, Diao and Romero in focus
SEO Title: Serie A Matchday 5: Malen, Diao and Romero Fantasy Picks
SEO Description: Roma’s Donyell Malen, Como winger Assane Diao and Parma forward David Romero are among the attacking options to watch in Serie A Matchday 5.
The round ahead
- Matchday 5 of the 2026-27 Serie A season begins on Friday at 20:45, when Monza host Sassuolo.
- Roma against Inter is the standout fixture of the weekend, carrying early significance near the summit.
- The programme concludes on Sunday at 20:45 with Milan facing Lecce.
Malen brings form into Roma-Inter
Malen has made a sharp start to the campaign for Roma, scoring six times across the opening four league rounds. He returned to the scoresheet against Torino after two matches without a goal against Atalanta and Fenerbahçe.
The Dutch centre-forward’s connection with Paulo Dybala has become an important part of Roma’s attacking work. Their combination produced Malen’s goal at the Olimpico Grande Torino, and their understanding has continued to develop.
Inter will present a more demanding opponent, although Cristian Chivu’s side have not looked fully secure at the back in recent outings against Napoli, Real and Udinese. Malen is valued at 98 credits in the Fantacampionato game and remains Roma’s leading attacking selection for the weekend.
Diao’s recovery changes Como’s outlook
Assane Diao has put last season’s physical difficulties behind him and has quickly become one of Como’s most productive players. The Senegal international has recorded two goals and an assist in the opening part of the season.
His work from the right flank has troubled opponents in both Serie A and Como’s Champions League meeting with Leipzig. Barring an unexpected change, he is set to start high on the right in Cesc Fabregas’ 4-2-3-1 when Como take on Frosinone.
Como’s encouraging form has strengthened Diao’s appeal, particularly at a valuation of 39 credits. His place in the side and his early output make him a credible attacking option for the round.
Romero seeks a larger role at Parma
David Romero made his impact from the bench against Como, scoring his first league goal in stoppage time. It did not prevent Parma from suffering their third defeat in four matches, but it may help the Argentine move upward in Carlos Cuesta’s attacking pecking order.
Parma now meet Genoa in a contest expected to be closely balanced. Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa have conceded eight goals so far, at an average of two per game, and their defensive record could offer Romero opportunities if he receives further minutes.
At 22 credits, Romero is the lower-cost alternative among the three. A second successive goal would give Parma a timely lift and offer further evidence that Cuesta has another forward capable of influencing the season’s early narrative.
