Serie A: Roma 3 (Soulé 14, Koné 19, Ferguson 31) Genoa 1 (Ekhator 87)
Republic of Ireland international Evan Ferguson looks to be finding his Italian rhythm after putting in a goalscoring Player of the Match performance for Roma in their Serie A win over Genoa.
The Meathman was quickest to react after Genoa goalkeeper Daniele Sommariva stopped a shot on Matías Soulé, the block finding Ferguson in the box to see it past Sommariva at full extension.
Soulé had already opened the scoring in the 14th minute, Manu Koné stretching Roma’s lead five minutes later with Ferguson offering the assist before going on to make it three for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
Genoa could muster little by way of reply, Jeff Ekhator knocking home a consolation goal in the 87th minute.
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The result sees Roma climb to fourth in the Serie A table just shy of the midway point, leaders Inter three points in front with a game in hand.
Ferguson’s effort against 17th-place Genoa may go some way to winning over manager Gasperini, who remains unconvinced by the 21-year-old despite his brace in the 3-0 Europa League win over Celtic earlier this month.
Following their 2-1 loss to Juventus on December 20th, Gasperini said: “If I had to choose between Paulo Dybala and Ferguson, I’d choose Dybala all day, every day. You need more to be a centre forward than being tall. It’s not just about technique, he hasn’t settled into the spirit of this team.”
