Evan Ferguson could hardly have asked for a better start to life at AS Roma.
The 20-year-old striker scored four goals and added an assist on his debut, as Roma dismantled Serie D side UniPomezia 9-0 in their second pre-season friendly under new boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
VIDEO: Ferguson Scores Four Goals in Roma Debut
Ferguson wasted no time making an impact. Lining up alongside Paulo Dybala and Matias Soule in a 3-4-2-1 setup, the Irish striker struck a perfect hat-trick inside the opening 24 minutes – scoring with his right foot, left foot, and a header.
He added a fourth midway through the second half, showing off quick feet in the box before smashing the ball in with his left. He also assisted Dybala’s goal, giving him five direct goal contributions in just over an hour of play.
What a Roma debut for Evan Ferguson – 4 goals and an assist! 🟡🔴
The dream start for Ferguson in Italy and despite the opposition not being anything special it will do his confidence a world of good.
Just the start for the striker. The fourth goal is different class!🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/OIoWAr9lnU
— Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@reptracker) July 24, 2025
For a player who scored just once in 21 Premier League appearances last season across spells with Brighton and West Ham, this performance will feel like a turning point.
Roma 9-0 UniPomezia: All Goalscorers
The match served as a comfortable warm-up for Roma, who fielded several new signings and rotated heavily throughout. Alongside Ferguson, fellow summer arrival Neil El Aynaoui also got on the scoresheet.
Here are all the goalscorers from Roma’s 9-0 victory:
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Ferguson 8′, 18′, 24′, 62′
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Dybala 33′
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El Aynaoui 65′
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Celik 73′
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Baldanzi 79′
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Arena 88′
The Giallorossi were in control from the opening whistle, moving the ball fluently and creating chances at will.
With more pre-season matches to come, Gasperini will be pleased with how quickly the squad is adapting to his ideas — and how sharp his new No. 9 looks already.
Ferguson Looking to Rebuild Confidence in Rome
Ferguson’s move to Roma – a €3 million loan from Brighton with a €38 million option to buy – was seen as a gamble by some after an underwhelming season in England.
Once considered a £100m talent and one of the Premier League’s most exciting young forwards, Ferguson struggled with form and fitness before joining West Ham on a short loan.
But Gasperini has given him an immediate platform to impress, and he’s delivered in emphatic fashion.
The early signs suggest Ferguson is enjoying his football again – good news for both Roma and the Republic of Ireland, where he remains a crucial part of the national team setup.
With pre-season now in full swing, Roma supporters will be eager to see if he can carry this form into competitive fixtures.
The best offshore sportsbooks have yet to open the top goalscorer markets for Serie A, but it could be safe to assume Ferguson may be among the favorites.
It’s far too early to make predictions, but if this debut is anything to go by, Roma may have found the clinical No. 9 they’ve been searching for.
For now, Ferguson’s priority will be staying fit, building rhythm, and cementing his place in Gasperini’s starting XI as Roma continues their pre-season preparations.
