Evan Ferguson scores first goal in Italy to send Roma top of Serie A

James Cox

Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson opened his account for Roma after 11 games to send them top of Serie A.

It was a big moment for Ferguson, who had struggled for goals. Despite scoring freely in pre-season, he had failed to open his account for the Italian giants in competitive football.

It was a huge goal for Roma as a 3-1 win over Cremonese put them on top of the Italian top flight. 

The 21-year-old scored after coming on after an hour.

🇮🇪 THE IRISHMAN

Evan Ferguson's first Roma goal sees his side 2-0 up away at Cremonese!

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Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has been critical of Ferguson, who is on loan from Brighton, but he praised the Ireland striker after his goal.

"We’re happy for him, of course, but overall it was a very important goal for all of us.

"It made the score 2-0, and while we’d had other chances earlier in the game, we were playing well and creating many major chances, that second goal made us realise that we could win."

Ferguson missed Ireland's victories over Portugal and Hungary through injury.

He will hope to get back in the team for the World Cup playoff semi-final against the Czech Republic, and a potential final against Denmark or North Macedonia.

For scoring inspiration he needs only to look to teammate Troy Parrott, whose five goals kept Ireland's World Cup dream alive.