No Ferguson, no problem as Roma rely on strong defence

Roma hope to fulfil Evan Ferguson’s potential this season, but the Giallorossi remain the table leaders even without the Irishman’s goals, as they can rely on the best defence in the league so far.

Roma are still waiting for Ferguson’s first goal in a competitive match this season, but the early signs this season were promising, given that the Brighton loanee was picked as the starting striker at the Stadio Olimpico over Artem Dovbyk.

The opening six league games of the 2025-26 season showed a very solid Roma, but also a team that is still unable to rely on a consistent centre-forward.

Roma’s strong start in 2025-26

FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 5: Matias Soule’ of AS Roma celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AS Roma at Artemio Franchi on October 5, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Roma’s main target is to qualify for the Champions League, but the opening phases of the new season have made fans on gambling sites not on gamstop wonder whether the Giallorossi can even aim for something more.

Surely, their new coach, Gasperini, is accustomed to working with big strikers, such as Ademola Lookman, Gianluca Scamacca or Mateo Retegui at Atalanta.

In his first season at Roma, however, attacking midfielder Matias Soulé has been the real added value to the team, while centre-forwards Ferguson and Dovbyk have combined for just one goal, netted by the Ukrainian.

“There isn’t one player ahead of another; they’re always competing depending on the periods, the moments and the games we face,” Gasperini said in September.

“Dovbyk seems to be improving athletically, certainly much more compared to the start of the season. He must be in his best shape to compensate for certain technical difficulties he has at the moment. If he reaches an optimal condition, he can also improve technically.”

Dovbyk, a former Girona forward, started against Fiorentina before the October break, partially because Ferguson is still not fully fit.

Roma’s struggles in attack

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Evan Ferguson of AS Roma is challenged by Mario Gila of Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Despite the Irishman’s initial struggles, however, Gasperini is convinced that the striker on loan from Brighton can show his worth in the capital this term.

“Ferguson is a young player, born in 2004, who did very well two years ago,” the Italian coach added before Sunday’s 2-1 win over Fiorentina.

“Last season, he struggled with injuries and a change of club in January, which meant he played little. The goal with him is to restore the expectations that were placed on him when he first broke through. He’s committed, and he and Dovbyk are alternating. Their growth, especially from a physical standpoint, is very important.”

Roma are the Serie A table leaders alongside Napoli, having collected 15 points in the opening six rounds. They may have scored just seven goals so far, but they have the best defence in the league, with just two goals conceded.