The Ukrainian striker has distinctly surpassed the Irishman in preference. He is once again the starting center-forward, partly due to Gasperini`s consistent support during training sessions.
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: AS Roma player Artem Dovbyk celebrates during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico on September 28, 2025.
The landscape has dramatically shifted in recent weeks. Artem Dovbyk has overturned the pecking order, overtaking Evan Ferguson and reclaiming his starting position. This isn`t merely due to his crucial goal against Verona, which propelled Roma back to the top of the league, but primarily stems from a significant improvement in his morale, physical fitness, and tactical understanding compared to before.
Gasperini: `Dovbyk or Ferguson? Here`s how I decide.`
The Unexpected Rise
Dovbyk`s journey this season has been quite unforeseen. He appeared set to depart the club, but the substantial investment of 38.5 million euros from two summers ago made his sale difficult without incurring a significant loss. Initially, Ferguson had shown promising signs, raising hopes of a return to the form he displayed in the Premier League. However, the Irishman`s recent performances have revealed a worrying decline, even in terms of agility. As a result, the roles have reversed: Artem is now the starter, and it`s up to Evan to fight his way back.
The Coach`s Intervention
Gasperini always described the two strikers as interchangeable options, but initially he had favored Ferguson. Then something changed, both mentally and physically. “I see Dovbyk improving athletically, and this allows him to compensate for some technical deficiencies he might have at the moment,” the Roma coach stated before the Verona match. Dovbyk then started, as he had in Nice, and scored. Gasperini has worked extensively on his mentality and motivation, often challenging his character, sometimes with harsh words that nonetheless spurred a reaction in the Ukrainian, who in the past had shown a more timid personality. “For us strikers, it`s crucial to play with confidence,” Dovbyk commented after the Verona game. “My physical condition is improving, as are my movements: I`m working hard on them and believe I can still get better.” Indeed, another key area Gasperini emphasizes with Artem is his on-field movements: teaching him how to get free from markers, how to “shed” opponents, when to run deep, and when to drop back to link up with teammates. A veritable masterclass in individual tactics.
Strategic Rotation
It`s likely that tomorrow, against Lille, Ferguson will start again, only to yield his spot once more to Dovbyk for next Sunday`s crucial match away at Fiorentina. This latter fixture holds greater importance, as Roma leads the league, and securing a positive result at the Franchi would mean approaching the subsequent clash against Inter (after the international break) with immense momentum. And with a revitalized Dovbyk, completely transformed.
