Donyell Malen’s hat-trick got Roma off to a blistering Serie A start in a 4-0 win over Fiorentina, and Chelsea delivered a perfect Premier League opening for new coach Xabi Alonso on Monday (August 24, 2026).
Second half substitute Davide Frattesi scored five minutes into his Lazio debut to give the capital club a 1-0 win at Bologna. Aubameyang, who got his name on the scoresheet in last week’s 1-1 draw against Elche, took a superb throughball from Luismi Cruz and skipped round a static goalkeeper to put the home side ahead after 21 minutes. The sides were tied 2-2 after 90 minutes but Schalke, newly returned to the Bundesliga after a three-year absence, scored three times in extra time to progress to the second round. Cologne and Hamburg both won at third tier sides, Cologne beat Würzburger Kickers thanks to a brace from Isak Johannesson and Hamburg easily overcame Verl 3-0.
Malen converted three passes from Paolo Dybala to score in the 27th, 52nd and 60th minutes and make Roma one of nine clubs with full points after the Serie A opening weekend. Substitute Niccolò Pisilli completed the rout four minutes from time. Schalke also survived a scare at fourth-tier Hallescher.
In an entertaining London derby, Brazilian João Pedro put Chelsea ahead in just 32 seconds, only for Josh King to level midway through the first half. Rogers restored Chelsea’s lead four minutes from halftime and the impressive Cole Palmer made it 3-1 four minutes into the second period. In a game that featured few chances and eight yellow cards, five in the first half, Frattesi’s cool finish from Boulaye Dia’s superb backheeled pass, ensured a winning start for new Lazio coach Gennaro Gattuso. In Spain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored for the second consecutive game but it was not enough to give Deportivo A Coruna all three points against Malaga in a contest between promoted sides.