Evan Ferguson's Powerful Debut Has Roma Fans Are Giddy With Delight

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.

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You can see Ferguson's highlights here. Though he tired towards the end of the match, he did look back to his best.

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.

In just 15 minutes, Ferguson has shown hunger, relentless energy and a knack for finding dangerous positions. He’s set to thrive in this system and should be the first choice number 9. — TREQUARTISTA (@TatticaPassata) August 23, 2025

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Evan Ferguson is a BEAST — Wayne Girard (@WayneinRome) August 23, 2025

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These darts into the box and strikes on goal from Evan Ferguson are menacing — Mfalsafa (@mfalsafa_) August 23, 2025

Evan Ferguson looks in brilliant shape. — Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) August 23, 2025

Evan Ferguson is looking sharp already — Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) August 23, 2025

A bright opening half hour in a Roma shirt for Evan Ferguson. Already done more than Lorenzo Lucca in the match prior.

Can see him having a 15 goal redemption season under Gasperini if he can stay fit. #RomaBologna — Calcio Colin (@colin_calcio) August 23, 2025

HT: Roma 0, Bologna 0

✅Ferguson looks fantastic

✅Once Wesley & Soulé get to know each other...watch out!

✅Lots of attacking intent

⬇️Damnit, imagine Rios in this midfield

The blueprint is there--this could be one of Europe's most exciting teams in time. — Chiesa di Totti (@chiesaditotti) August 23, 2025

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's pass to Kone was Tottiesque — Jody (@anjody17) August 23, 2025

🥶 Manu Kone zoru başardı... pic.twitter.com/mxHW0DB70W — Calcio Türkiye 🇹🇷🇮🇹 (@CalcioTurkey) August 23, 2025

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

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