Evan Ferguson’s Roma Revival Takes Shape In Como Win

Evan Ferguson may have not scored for Roma against Como, but his overall display earned praise from many including Gian Piero Gasperini.

Evan Ferguson builds on Celtic brace with solid display in Roma win over Como

Ferguson has needed some time to find his feet at Roma following his summer loan move from Brighton.

Criticism of the young forward had been intensifying with each passing week.

Reports suggested Roma considered letting Ferguson return to Brighton.

And just last week, Gasperini criticised Ferguson, questioning his attitude at Roma.

However, the striker started against Celtic and rewarded his manager’s faith with a superb brace.

Italy’s media praised Ferguson and Gasperini was also impressed by the Irishman’s display.

And while Ferguson’s display against Como wasn’t another goalscoring masterclass, it was still significant.

Wesley’s second-half finish settled it at the Olimpico, yet Ferguson’s night was about graft, presence, and small steps forward.

Como offered a different test to Celtic, with Roma pressing high and needing Ferguson to pin defenders.

The Brighton loanee’s off-the-ball work helped the Giallorossi squeeze Como’s build-up and protect their slim lead.

Gasperini says Ferguson has the Roma ‘spirit’

“Faith in Evan after his fine brace against Celtic,” Calciomercato.com wrote as they gave him a 6 out of 10 rating.

“He moves well at the end of the first half and has a great chance, but his shot is blocked by Baturina, and Butez makes a save shortly after.

Crucially, CM finished by saying: “He doesn’t score, but he’s improving.”

Sky Sport Italia also awarded Ferguson a 6, while Corriere dello Sport went higher at 6.5.

Arguably the biggest compliment for Ferguson came from his Mister.

Gasperini told a press conference after the game: “He’s a professional, you have to get the psychological part right quickly.

“He’s showing the will and strength to succeed.

“He didn’t score today, but he did what you expect of someone who wears the Roma shirt.

“When you have that kind of spirit, the fans follow you; that’s the spirit I ask of all my players.”

Why Roma are hitting pause on January talk

Ahead of the game, Roma director Ricky Massara insisted it was “premature” to discuss Ferguson’s long-term future.

Massara said Roma were “happy” he was “getting back” to expected levels, but stressed fitness issues and the need for consistency.

He also pushed back on recall noise, adding that speculation about an early Brighton return “certainly didn’t come from us.”

Gasperini, meanwhile, made one thing clear about Ferguson ahead of the Como clash.

“He doesn’t need to be a Gasperini player, he needs to be a Roma player,” he said. “That’s the most important thing.”

That framing matters, because Roma’s revival push is built on consistent habits – tempo, pressing, and reliability – more so than the occasional ‘9/10’ display.

Ferguson’s Celtic brace proved he very much has the instinct and movement to punish top-level opponents when confidence clicks into place.

Como showed the next phase: carrying out the unglamorous centre-forward work when goals don’t arrive, and doing all that is asked of him.

It’s great when things finally click for a player, and Ferguson is in that phase now. Fingers crossed he can build on it and reach the levels expected of him.