Roma were still firmly in contention to return to Europe’s top tables for the first time in eight long seasons, and it initially appeared the Giallorossi had done their hopes the world of good when Malen’s ninth-minute effort beat Zion Suzuki. However, the offside flag saved the hosts, denying the visitors’ top scorer his 12th goal of the campaign after the striker strayed marginally offside in the build-up.
Following a brief lull, referee Daniele Chiffiin was again the centre of attention as he waved away Roma’s shouts for a penalty after Gianluca Mancini went down under a robust challenge in the area.
Nevertheless, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side were soon celebrating the deadlock being broken just two minutes later. Put through on goal by Paulo Dybala’s defence-splitting pass, Malen’s first touch off his knee to control the ball was exquisite, allowing him the freedom to fire an unstoppable strike in the corner.
Matias Soule then nearly doubled their delight with a 29th-minute header, but Parma were spared again - this time by the post - to keep their deficit at one at half-time.
With Parma’s top scorer Mateo Pellegrino having been demoted to the bench, Parma needed someone to fill the void left by the Argentine. Gabriel Strefezza was the man to take up the mantle, latching onto Hans Nicolussi Caviglia’s pinpoint pass, beating Mile Svilar with a smart finish just three minutes after the restart.
Parity should only have lasted for four minutes as Malen again got himself one-on-one on goal, but he was denied by a decisive save from Suzuki.
The contest was end-to-end from there as the recently introduced Pellegrino appeared to head Parma in front, but the offside flag took centre stage again as the striker saw his effort ruled out.
Malen and Suzuki were engaged in their own private battle again after 73 minutes, with the goalkeeper coming out on top once more with a smart save to keep the game level.
Ultimately, Roma’s frustrating afternoon got even worse as Mandela Keita appeared to win it for Parma late on with a sublime strike from inside the area - his first league goal since 2022/23.
Gasperini’s men responded in kind, as substitute Devyne Rensch drew the visitors level by expertly guiding the ball into the far corner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
The Dutchman was then hauled down in the area, presenting Malen with the chance to win it from the penalty spot, which he duly took in the 101st minute.
Sascha Britschgi was the guilty party and received a second yellow card for his troubles on a pivotal afternoon for Roma, who provisionally move level on points with fourth-place AC Milan.