For the first time since joining AS Roma, Paulo Dybala has failed to score from the penalty spot. The Argentine forward’s spot-kick was brilliantly saved by AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan during Roma’s 1-0 defeat at San Siro on Saturday night — ending Dybala’s flawless streak of 18 consecutive penalties converted for the Giallorossi.
The miss came late in the match when Roma were pushing for an equaliser, trailing to an early goal from Rafael Leão. Dybala, usually one of the most reliable penalty takers in Europe, stepped up confidently — but Maignan guessed correctly, diving low to his left to deny him. The save preserved Milan’s narrow victory and handed Roma another frustrating night on the road.
Until that moment, Dybala had maintained a 100 percent penalty record since joining AS Roma in 2022, converting all 18 of his previous attempts in all competitions. His last missed penalty in club football came in November 2021 while playing for Juventus against Salernitana.
The Argentine playmaker’s composure from 12 yards had been a major asset for José Mourinho’s side, helping Roma secure vital points in domestic and European matches over the past two seasons. Saturday’s miss, however, highlighted the growing challenge facing the club this campaign — a lack of consistency and confidence in key moments.
Speaking after the match, Mourinho defended his star forward, saying: “Paulo is our leader. Even the best players in history have missed penalties. Maignan made an incredible save — it happens.”
Maignan, meanwhile, was quick to praise Dybala after his decisive stop: “You always have to study great players like him. I waited until the last moment because he’s unpredictable, but this time I got it right.”
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Despite the defeat, Roma remain hopeful of a resurgence as Dybala continues to rediscover his best form following recent injury setbacks. The club currently sits mid-table in Serie A and faces a crucial run of fixtures before the winter break.
For Dybala, the miss marks the end of an extraordinary streak — but also a reminder that even football’s most clinical finishers are not immune to the occasional heartbreak from the penalty spot.
