It was a hugely significant night for Irish football as Evan Ferguson made his first appearance in a Roma jersey as the Giallorossi began their 2025-26 Serie A season at the Stadio Olimpico, with Bologna paying a visit to the Eternal City. 

Irish football fans had spent the summer wondering just what kind of form the Bettystown man would bring to Italy. Last season was a lost one for Ferguson, and Roma seemed like the exact place to get his career back on track.

The scar tissue that all Irish football fans carry meant the fixture also carried a potent sense of trepidation. What if Ferguson’s poor form lingered? What if he couldn’t fully acclimatise? What then for the best footballer this country has produced in two decades?

Luckily Ferguson’s performance, especially in the first fifteen minutes of his first Roma match in Serie A, was hugely assuring, especially with the visit of Hungary to Dublin in two weeks time.

Evan Ferguson back to his best for Roma 

It was also Gian Piero Gasperini’s first league match as Roma manager, and it was fantastic to see him back Ferguson and name him in his first starting XI.

Gasparini has a long track record of unlocking the potential of star forwards, and Ferguson rewarded his faith in those opening exchanges.

His movement was sharp, his touch was superb and he was eager to get involved in the play. Ferguson had three chances in the first fifteen minutes of the match and inspired a flurry of praiseworthy tweets, both in English and Italian.

The first take from many Roma fans watching the match is that Ferguson can cook, and if he can stay healthy, he’ll score loads of goals.

Recommended

 

In the end, a goal from rightback Wesley – another debutant – gave Roma a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute. Ferguson deserved an assist in the second half – setting up Manú Kone with a beautiful touch – but ultimately the French player missed the sitter.

Ferguson was replaced in the 70th minute by Artem Dovbyk and will no doubt take plenty of positives from his official debut.

SEE ALSO: The Seven Irishmen To Move To Italy And Join A Serie A Club