AS Roma want to ‘restore’ Ferguson ‘expectations’

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini seems to be on through the Serie A match between AS Roma and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico on September 28, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photograph by Paolo Bruno/Getty Pictures)

Gian Piero Gasperini says Roma need to ‘restore expectations’ positioned on Evan Ferguson two years in the past and warns the Giallorossi that Oliver Giroud can ‘nonetheless make the distinction.’

Gasperini held a press convention on Wednesday, on the eve of a Europa League match in opposition to Lille.

Ferguson was one of many speaking factors because the Republic of Eire worldwide started the season as a starter, however he appears to have been overtaken by Artem Dovbyk in latest weeks.

Ferguson and Dovbyk’s development ‘crucial’ for Roma

“Ferguson is a younger participant, born in 2004, who did very effectively two years in the past,” Gasperini mentioned through TMW.

“Final season, he struggled with accidents and a change of membership in January, which meant he performed little. The objective with him is to revive the expectations that have been positioned on him when he first broke by way of. He’s dedicated, and he and Dovbyk are alternating. Their development, particularly from a bodily standpoint, is essential.”

Dovbyk has scored one objective in 5 video games this season, whereas Ferguson has offered one help in six appearances.

Roma received 5 of their opening six video games throughout all competitions, however struggled greater than anticipated to beat Verona 2-0 over the weekend.

“The fatigue in opposition to Verona wasn’t bodily; it was extra about motivation. It’s not straightforward to come back out of a derby, which drains you emotionally, then play your first Europa League match, after which face Verona, who had larger sharpness,” Gasperini mentioned.

“I don’t assume it was a bodily challenge. Over the three video games, you may assume Verona are the lead tough opponent, however they’ll grow to be very, very robust.”

Matias Soulé has most likely been Roma’s greatest participant up to now this season, and Gasperini is not sure whether or not to relaxation him in opposition to Lille.

“Up entrance, we have now fewer options given the absence of Dybala and Bailey, which forces us to make use of roughly the identical gamers,” Gasperini mentioned.

Gasperini praises Giroud

“At present we’ll put together the match and, as all the time, we’ll have no less than a few options, whether or not from the beginning or through the recreation.”

Roma will face ex-Milan star Giroud, who returned to France in the summertime.

“Tactically, the plan is to not let him get contained in the field, although he strikes effectively in all places,” concluded Gasperini.

“He’s completed extraordinary issues with Milan and even earlier than in his profession. He was decisive in Milan’s Scudetto win. A number of years in the past, age would have made gamers much less aggressive, however now in Italy and France, there are older gamers nonetheless making a big effect, largely due to bodily situation. They practice in another way and are nonetheless in a position to make a distinction.”

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