The Daily Star Ireland
Roma’s supporters are renowned for their fierce devotion, captured by the saying “La Roma non si discute, si ama” — you don’t question Roma; you love her. Coined in the 1950s by actor Renato Rascel, the phrase reflects a loyalty freely given from the outset, especially by Romans themselves, but one that must be matched by commitment on the pitch. For Evan Ferguson, this philosophy will define the next stage of his career.
A Career at a Crossroads
The Irish striker begins his Serie A journey this weekend as Roma host Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico. While still young, Ferguson arrives in Italy seeking to reignite momentum after a difficult campaign in England.
Last season he scored just once across 21 Premier League appearances, divided between Brighton and a loan spell at West Ham. That solitary strike came in Brighton’s 2-2 draw with Wolves, ending an 11-month drought caused in part by ankle surgery that stalled his breakthrough. This setback was especially stark after his earlier rise, when he netted 10 times in 25 games in his debut season and was hailed as one of Europe’s brightest emerging forwards.
The Wolves goal showcased his trademark qualities — strength, movement, and a sharp first touch. His beaming smile that day reflected relief as much as joy, though at club level it proved to be a rare highlight since. He did, however, continue to find the net internationally, scoring for Ireland against Finland and Bulgaria.
Building Form in Pre-Season
Pre-season with Roma offered encouraging glimpses. Ferguson scored against Kaiserslautern by pressing the goalkeeper into a mistake, finished neatly against Cannes after a pass from full-back Angeliño, and even bagged four goals in a behind-closed-doors match against Serie D side UniPomezia.
In Roma’s final friendly, a 2-2 draw with Saudi side Neom, Ferguson played the opening 45 minutes — a signal that new manager Gian Piero Gasperini sees him as part of his plans for the season ahead.
Gasperini’s System and Roma’s Attack
Gasperini, a coach known for his 4-3-3 system, typically avoids relying on a classic target man. Instead, he favors physical forwards who can press, link play, and act as the focal point of attack — roles previously filled by the likes of Diego Milito at Genoa and Duván Zapata at Atalanta. At over six feet tall, Ferguson fits that mold and could thrive if he adapts quickly.
Yet competition for places is fierce. Roma already boast attacking talents such as Paulo Dybala, Stephan El Shaarawy, Matías Soulé, and Artem Dovbyk. Young striker Luigi Cherubini is also on the books, though he is expected to leave on loan. Ferguson has been handed the number 11 shirt — famously worn by Mohamed Salah during his time in Rome. Salah’s own move from Chelsea to Roma revitalized his career, before he went on to become a Premier League legend at Liverpool.
Ferguson’s path may not follow those same heights, but the comparison highlights that Italy can provide the perfect environment for a young forward to rebuild. At just 19, he is entering this chapter earlier than Salah did when he arrived in Rome at 21.
Irish Footsteps in Serie A
Ferguson joins a small but notable group of Irish players who have tried their luck in Italy. Paddy Sloan scored nine goals for AC Milan in 1948/49 before moving on to Torino shortly before the club was devastated by the Superga air disaster. Liam Brady remains the most successful Irishman in Serie A, winning two league titles with Juventus, while Ronnie O’Brien’s solitary appearance for the same club is still regarded as one of football’s oddest transfers.
Robbie Keane had a brief spell with Inter Milan, cut short after a managerial shake-up saw him shipped out following Marcello Lippi’s dismissal. More recently, Festy Ebosele and James Abankwah have featured for Udinese, with Abankwah currently on loan at Watford.
Now Ferguson steps into that lineage, hoping to leave a mark of his own.
A Chance to Win Rome’s Heart
Roma fans will embrace Ferguson from the outset — unconditional love is their tradition. But in a city where passion runs deep, he will be expected to reciprocate with goals, effort, and presence on the pitch. For a striker at a pivotal moment in his career, the Eternal City could prove the perfect stage to silence doubters and start writing the next chapter of his story.
