AS Roma secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Cannes in a pre-season friendly match. Goals were netted by Artem Dovbyk, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Evan Ferguson. The game also marked the debut of Wesley, though it was slightly marred by an injury to Mile Svilar.
Playing at the Tre Fontane complex, the Giallorossi had to make a last-minute adjustment to their lineup after Mile Svilar withdrew due to muscular issues. Consequently, new signing Devis Vasquez stepped in to start in goal.
The team wore black armbands, and fans displayed banners in solidarity with former Roma goalkeeper Julio Sergio, who recently mourned the loss of his son Enzo to cancer.
The opening goal came swiftly, just three minutes into the match, when El Shaarawy skillfully found space in the box and curled a precise right-footed shot into the net.
Cheikh N’Doye struck the woodwork with a header, though the play was nullified by an offside call. Meanwhile, El Shaarawy continued to threaten, testing the goalkeeper and hitting the crossbar with another powerful effort.
Roma extended their lead shortly before halftime. El Shaarawy, latching onto a pass from Tommaso Baldanzi, unselfishly set up Artem Dovbyk for a simple tap-in.
The second half saw the debut of former Flamengo winger Wesley. However, a significant chance was missed by Mario Hermoso, who failed to convert from a Matias Soulé corner.
Goalkeeper Vasquez made an important save in a one-on-one encounter with Sory Doumbouya. Later, Manu Koné squandered an opportunity created by Angelino.
Evan Ferguson, who joined from Brighton and Hove Albion, continued his impressive pre-season form, consistently showing his goal-scoring prowess.
The Irish forward sealed Roma`s dominant performance with a late goal, once again assisted by Angelino.
Match Summary
Roma 3-0 Cannes
- El Shaarawy 3` (R)
- Dovbyk 43` (R)
- Ferguson 88` (R)
Roma Lineup
Vasquez; Celik (Reale 57`), N’Dicka (Mancini 46`), Hermoso (Kumbulla 57`); Rensch (Wesley 46`), Cristante (Pisilli 46`), El Aynaoui (Koné 46`), Salah-Eddine (Angelino 46`); Baldanzi (Soulé 46`), El Shaarawy (Cherubini 57`); Dovbyk (Ferguson 46`).