Roma are one of the lowest-scoring teams in Serie A this season despite sitting second in the table, but who could the Giallorossi sign in January to fix this issue in front of goal?
Why Are Roma Struggling To Score Goals?
Gian Piero Gasperini has proved to be an instant hit during his early days as Roma boss and after 11 matches in Serie A, his side are level on points with table-toppers, Inter Milan.
The Giallorossi secured 24-points in Italy’s first division (8W & 3L), including a derby day victory over Lazio on September 21st and many supporters believe Roma can win their first Scudetto in 25-years.
However, this strong league position has been slightly stained by Roma’s struggles in front of goal, as Gasperini’s side have scored just 12 goals in Serie A this season.
On the flip side, Roma boast the best defense in Europe, conceding less goals than any other side in Europe’s top five leagues – picking the ball out of the net on just three occasions.
This vast contrast between defense and attack is something that remains consistent with Gasperini’s solid structure, but the Giallorossi will be looking to add more goals to their catalog in 2026.
Only eight other teams in Italy’s top-flight have scored less goals than Roma in the 2025/26 campaign and the Giallorossi are 14 behind their current title rivals Inter Milan.
Singling out one specific reason for Roma’s problems in front of goal is a difficult task, as the Giallorossi have recorded the third highest xG per 90 on average this season with 1.66.
Interestingly, Gasperini’s side also rank low in the charts for big chances created in Serie A, sitting on 14 which is lower than the likes of Genoa who are in a relegation battle.
The performances from Roma’s two talisman has been another talking-point in Italy this year, as Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson have failed to cement their place as the lead striker so far.
Ferguson, who joined Roma on loan from Brighton during the summer window, is yet to score a goal in Serie A and is currently dealing with an ankle injury.
In a similar fashion, Dovbyk has not been prolific in Roma’s surge up the Serie A table with just two league goals and the Ukrainian is yet to show signs of the player that scored 12 last season.
Matias Soule is the Giallorossi’s highest-scorer in Serie A this season, despite scoring three goals and Gasperini is looking to bring in a player that can change this during the January window.
Who Should Roma Sign In January?
Esteban Lepaul (Stade Rennais)
Scoring goals has not been a problem for Esteban Lepaul this season, as the Stade Rennais striker has found the back of the net on seven occasions in Ligue 1.
Overall, the 25-year-old has contributed to 10 goals in as many league appearances for his current side (7G + 3A) and netted a hat-trick for the first time during a 4-1 win over Strasbourg on November 2nd.
The Frenchman joined Stade Rennais for €13.5m during the summer transfer window after an impressive spell with Angers, signing a deal until June 2029.
Lepaul’s ruthlessness in front of goal is something that will be hugely appealing to Gasperini and the Italian is set to receive some financial backing in January.
Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Although many would put a striker at the top of Roma’s wish-list, bringing in a creative midfielder that also has an eye for goal could be a shrewd business move for Gasperini.
As we touched on previously, Roma have created less big chances than the likes of Genoa, and this highlights an issue in finding the strikers in key areas.
Can Uzun has proven to be a monstrous talent in Frankfurt this season, as the 20-year-old has contributed to eight goals in nine Bundesliga appearances so far (5G + 3A).
The Turkish international joined Frankfurt in July 2024, agreeing a deal until June 2029 and the German side have reportedly valued Uzun at around €70m.
Moise Kean (Fiorentina)
Moise Kean has endured a difficult spell with Fiorentina, scoring just two league goals this season and La Viola currently sit bottom in Serie A after 11 matches.
The Italian’s future in Florence has taken an interesting turn, as new Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino is looking to add Kean to his list of January targets.
However, Roma are in a far superior position than La Dea at this current moment in time and Kean may be willing to join a secure environment next year.
Jaidon Anthony (Burnley)
Moving away from the striker position itself now, as Jaidon Anthony has shown himself to be a danger in front of goal during Burnley’s return to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old has registered four goals and assists for Scott Parker’s side this season, which is an impressive return considering Burnley’s position in the table.
Anthony joined the Clarets for €9.5m during the summer transfer window after a successful loan spell in 2024/25 and would jump at the chance to join an elite European side.
According to reports, the Englishman will be available for a lower fee if he moves outside of the Premier League and this could be vital during negotiations in January.
Will Roma Sign Evan Ferguson Permanently?
Evan Ferguson has struggled to adapt to life in the Italian capital and supporters are slowly losing patience with the young Irishman.
The 21-year-old was tipped to become one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League after bursting onto the scene with Brighton during the 2022/23 campaign.
However, after a difficult spell with injuries, Ferguson became surplus to requirements on the South Coast of England, joining West Ham on loan last season and moving again in the 2025 summer window.
Roma will have a decision to make in 2026, as Ferguson’s loan move to Italy included a €37 million buy-option which can be activated by the Giallorossi at any time.
Gasperini will be aware that star players like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are out of contract in Serie A next year, meaning he will need to bring in some reinforcements to remain competitive.
