On 23 August 2025, AS Roma kicked off their Serie A 2025/2026 campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 home win over Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico. The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute, courtesy of a debut goal by right-back Wesley, who capitalized on a defensive error. The evening also marked the promising competitive debut for loanee Evan Ferguson, whose sharp movement and chance creation electrified fans early on. This AS Roma vs Bologna match report captures how Roma edged ahead in a tactical, thrilling opener.
Match Report
Goals & Scoring Timeline
- 53′ – Wesley, making his Serie A debut, fires home to break the deadlock after a defensive lapse from Bologna.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- Evan Ferguson, introduced by new manager Gian Piero Gasperini, made an immediate impact—creating three chances within the first 15 minutes, drawing praise and a few Batistuta comparisons from fans.
- Progressing through halftime, Roma tightened their hold before Wesley’s strike opened the scoring. Bologna’s defense seemed unsettled, and the goal gave Roma the crucial cushion to see out the rest of the match.
Standout Player Performances
- Wesley (Roma): A dream debut—his decisive goal and calm presence down the right flank epitomized Roma’s promising start.
- Evan Ferguson (Roma): Though he didn’t score, Ferguson’s movement and early creativity had fans buzzing, marking him as a key figure in Gasperini’s new project.
Tactical Breakdown
- Roma (Gian Piero Gasperini): Deployed his hallmark high-speed, pressing style—integrating new arrivals like Wesley and Ferguson seamlessly. The midfield triangles locked Bologna out, and fluid wing play unlocked the decisive moment.
- Bologna (Vincenzo Italiano): Stood firm initially, but defensive fragility and inability to handle Roma’s vertical transitions ultimately proved costly. Their failure to clear the right channel allowed the decisive opening for Wesley.
Post-Match Manager Reactions
- Roma (Gian Piero Gasperini): "We played with great spirit, even though we struggled a bit. We could have scored a second goal, but that's okay. I'm satisfied because this team has character, and they showed it against a strong Bologna."
He added:" We played with courage because Bologna has quality up front, but we played with great consistency," he concluded. "If we had been more precise, we would have had the upper hand with one more goal, but I'm satisfied because it was the first match. Having played with this spirit against a great team gives us the strength to move forward."
Sky Sport Italia
Fan Reactions & Atmosphere
The Stadio Olimpico roared to life early, energized by Ferguson’s dynamic runs. Roma supporters, riding the wave of optimism for Gasperini’s tenure, erupted when Wesley etched his name onto the scoreboard. Bologna fans, present in force, leaned on resilience, frustrated by the gap in fluency when it mattered.
What This Means for the Season
- AS Roma: A timely start under Gasperini’s vision. With standout signings already delivering, the Serie A 2025/26 atmosphere is tense—but Roma’s intent is clear. This result sets a confident tone.
- Bologna: Despite their Coppa Italia momentum, early-season defensive cracks must be fixed fast. They remain competitive, but a more solid foundation is needed to sustain a strong campaign.