Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
IRELAND INTERNATIONAL EVAN Ferguson was on target as Roma beat struggling Lecce 2-0 in Serie A this evening, as they moved up to fourth in the table.
Gian Piero Gasperini handed the Meath native a third successive league start, and the manager’s faith was rewarded in the 14th minute, as Ferguson produced a clinical finish from the edge of the area.
The 21-year-old was then withdrawn on the hour mark, and his replacement, Artem Dovbyk, doubled the visitors’ advantage.
Ferguson has now scored three Serie A goals this season and five in all competitions.
THE IRISHMAN!
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) January 6, 2026
Evan Ferguson scores for Roma 👀 That was nice 🔥
GAME ON | Watch Lega Serie A live on https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb in select territories pic.twitter.com/8JrcJeG3hA
It includes a run of four goals in the Irishman’s last six matches, having managed just one in his first 14 appearances for the Italian side.
Ferguson’s slow start at Roma and some critical remarks from Gasperini led to speculation that his season-long loan move could be cut short this month, with the club reportedly looking at alternative options and weighing up a move for Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee, among others.
However, Brighton CEO Paul Barber suggested in an interview published on Saturday that an imminent return to Ferguson’s parent club is “very unlikely” and his encouraging recent form may persuade Roma to keep faith with him.
Roma secured their first away win since 23 November to reclaim fourth spot in Serie A on Tuesday from Como, who had earlier swept aside struggling Pisa.
Gasperini’s men now have 36 points and are just one point off third spot, but have played two more matches than the top three — Inter Milan, leaders with 39 points, AC Milan second on 38 points and champions Napoli third on 37 points.
While Roma will likely struggle to remain in contention for the Scudetto until the very end, they can aim for fourth place, the final Champions League qualifying spot.
However, in addition to Juventus, sixth with 33 points, who face Sassuolo later on Tuesday, they will also have to be wary of Como.
Cesc Fabregas’s side notched up a third consecutive victory in the league, thanks to three second-half goals in Tuscany to boost their hopes of elite European football.
“I never look at the standings, even though a member of my staff told me to look at them today after our victory. I’m not interested in them,” Spaniard Fabregas insisted.
Maximo Perrone put the northerners ahead after 68 minutes, with Anastasios Douvikas adding two more on 76 minutes and a late penalty after 96 minutes of play.
Como’s French goalkeeper Jean Butez, one of the revelations of the season in Italy, saved a penalty six minutes from time.
The Lombardy club, owned by Indonesian billionaires the Hartono brothers, now have 33 points, the same as Juventus.
But Como, back in the top flight since 2024 after a 21-year absence, have a game in hand against AC Milan, which they will play on March 15.
Newly-promoted Pisa, who have won only once in 19 matches, remain bottom of the table with 12 points, the same as Fiorentina and Verona.
Additional reporting by AFP
Written by Paul Fennessy and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say