Gasperini: ´I´d choose Dybala every time´ over Ferguson

Gian Piero Gasperini says he would “choose Paulo Dybala every time” over Evan Ferguson in attack for Roma.

The Giallorossi suffered a 2-1 defeat to Juventus in Serie A on Saturday, with Dybala preferred to the Republic of Ireland international from the start, though Ferguson was introduced in the 56th minute.

The Argentinian had three shots against his former team worth 0.3 expected goals (xG), while he also had a team-high six touches in the opposition box. Ferguson, by contrast, had two on-target attempts that were worth just 0.08 xG.

Despite sitting fourth in the table, Roma have largely struggled for goals this season, netting just 17 from 212 shots, fewer than every other side in the top 10.

But Gasperini remains largely unimpressed by Ferguson, causing him to favour Dybala.

“If I have to choose between Dybala and Ferguson, I’d choose Dybala every time,” he said. “It’s not about Ferguson; it’s a choice I’ve made before, and if that’s the choice, I choose Dybala.

“I don’t know if it [reinforcements] will come from the transfer market, but surely, it’s an opportunity.”

Matias Soule is Roma’s top scorer in the league in 2025-26 on four goals, while Ferguson and Dybala have both netted just once each.

Tommaso Baldanzi got the goal against Juventus after coming off the bench, and Gasperini remains optimistic that January will provide him with more strength in depth.

“I’m very satisfied with the performance, the spirit was commendable,” he added. “But we’ve lost to Inter, Milan, Juventus and Napoli, and it’s no coincidence.

“It means we are missing a step. We’re close in certain situations, but we have an important fanbase and an important club behind us.

“We must aim to improve, and I hope the January transfer window can help us do that. It’s not easy, but we have to believe.”