Malen, having been signed from Aston Villa in January, admits his goals didn't come as a surprise.
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He told Sky Italia: "Did I expect such an impact against Italy? I knew what my qualities were and I knew I could do well.
"Sometimes there's more space, sometimes less, but it's difficult to score in any league.
"I've played in many roles, but I'm more dangerous in this position (centre-forward) and I think it's the best one for me, it's the one I feel most comfortable in."
Asked if coach Gian Piero Gasperini wanted him to track back, Malen added: "I'd rather be up front."