Football fans around the world know that preseason matches offer a glimpse of what’s to come in the regular season. For Everton F.C. and AS Roma, their 2025 preseason friendly was much more than just a preparation match. It marked the opening of Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s new home, and was a significant event in the club’s 147-year history. The match was filled with excitement, as fans witnessed new signings, tactical formations, and emerging stars. But more than that, it was a historic occasion for both teams.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Everton F.C. vs AS Roma lineups, the key players, and the significance of the match. We’ll break down the tactical setups, highlight key moments, and provide insights into the upcoming season for both clubs.
Everton F.C. vs AS Roma: Preseason Friendly Overview
Setting the Stage: Hill Dickinson Stadium’s Inauguration
The 2025 preseason friendly between Everton F.C. and AS Roma was held at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the brand-new home of Everton on Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool. This historic occasion was the culmination of years of planning, as the club moved into a modern, state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 52,769.
For Everton, the match was not just about football; it was a symbol of the club’s future, as new owners The Friedkin Group have been steadily reshaping the team’s fortunes. The match also celebrated Dave Mackay, a legendary player who had represented both clubs. The game’s significance goes beyond just a preseason clash—it is a pivotal moment in the club’s history, with the promise of new beginnings for both the stadium and the team.
Match Details
- Date & Time: Saturday, August 9th, 2025 | 7:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. BST
- Stadium: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, England
- Capacity: 52,769
- Weather: 67°F/19°C, mostly cloudy, 15% chance of precipitation, 14 mph winds
While this friendly match primarily serves to give both teams a chance to build fitness and experiment with lineups ahead of the upcoming season, it also provides fans with a taste of the action to come.
TV & Streaming
- TV: ESPN+ (United States)
- Radio: Everton F.C. Radio
- Live Stream: ESPN app, beIN Sports Connect, or fans can purchase a MatchPass for £7.99 on Everton’s official platform.
Everton’s Lineup: Key Players and Tactical Approach
First Half Lineup: A Blend of Experience and New Faces
Manager David Moyes named a strong lineup for the first half, blending established stars with emerging talents. As Everton aims to prepare for the upcoming Premier League season, the team sought to gain crucial match fitness and sharpen their tactical approach. Here is how Everton F.C. lined up for the first half of the friendly:
- Goalkeeper: Brandon Austin
- Defenders: Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Oliver Skipp, Destiny Udogie
- Midfielders: Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski
- Forwards: Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min, Manor Solomon
Key First Half Moments
- Brennan Johnson’s Opening Goal (38’)
- The match began with a commanding performance from Everton. A beautiful team goal was scored in the 38th minute, as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski combined to find Brennan Johnson in space. Johnson slotted the ball home with composure, providing the early breakthrough for Everton.
- Tactical Pressing and Movement
- Under Moyes, Everton set out to implement their well-known high-pressing game. James Maddison’s creativity and link-up play with Son Heung-min were crucial in moving the ball through the midfield. Meanwhile, Porro and Udogie provided width and support from full-back positions, ensuring Everton’s attack remained dynamic and flexible.
- Goalkeeping Heroics
- Brandon Austin, who is expected to compete for the starting goalkeeper role this season, impressed with several key saves. A fantastic reflex save in the first half denied AS Roma a chance to equalize, giving Everton’s defense confidence.
Second Half Lineup: Youthful Energy and Squad Rotation
The second half saw a complete change in personnel, allowing Moyes to experiment with younger players and give them valuable game time. This is a crucial time for Everton F.C., as their squad depth will be tested in the long season ahead. Here’s the lineup for the second half:
- Goalkeeper: Alfie Whiteman
- Defenders: Djed Spence, Emerson Royal, Ash Phillips, Jaden Robson
- Midfielders: Tyrese Hall, Lucas Bergvall, Harvey Devine
- Forwards: Timo Werner, Will Lankshear, Mikey Moore
Key Second Half Moments
- Will Lankshear’s Striker’s Finish (55’)
- The second half started with an equalizer from Roma, but Tottenham’s response was immediate. Djed Spence, playing as an inverted full-back, delivered a perfect through ball to Will Lankshear, who finished with confidence, restoring Everton’s lead.
- Mikey Moore’s Composure in the Box (66’)
- The young talent Mikey Moore displayed maturity beyond his years with a well-taken goal in the 66th minute. After an incisive pass from Lucas Bergvall, Moore showcased excellent composure to finish neatly past the Roma goalkeeper.
- Spence’s Goal and Performance (71’)
- Djed Spence continued his impressive performance, scoring in the 71st minute. After receiving a precise cross from Timo Werner, Spence made no mistake, sending his shot into the back of the net. This performance solidified Spence’s importance for Everton in the coming season.
- Ash Phillips’ Presence and Leadership
- At the back, Ash Phillips looked commanding, not only defending well but contributing to the attack with a header in the 85th minute. His physical presence and leadership on the pitch made him stand out as a future star for Everton.
AS Roma’s Lineup: Key Players and Tactics
AS Roma’s Starting XI: A Familiar Squad
AS Roma, managed by José Mourinho, is a team known for its solid defensive organization and rapid counter-attacks. For this preseason friendly, Roma brought a mix of established players and emerging talent. Here’s how Roma’s lineup looked for the match:
- Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio
- Defenders: Zeki Celik, Roger Ibanez, Chris Smalling, Leonardo Spinazzola
- Midfielders: Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Cristante, Nicolo Zaniolo
- Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini
Key Moments in Roma’s Performance
- Roma’s Equalizer (48’)
- After Everton took the lead in the first half, AS Roma responded quickly in the second half. Paulo Dybala’s creativity and Tammy Abraham’s clinical finishing ability came to the forefront as they pulled Roma level. Dybala’s precise assist allowed Abraham to strike home and equalize for Roma.
- Defensive Organization
- Despite conceding three more goals in the second half, Roma’s defensive structure, led by Chris Smalling, Roger Ibanez, and Zeki Celik, initially held firm. Roma’s well-drilled defense kept Everton at bay in the first half, and they looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
- Key Player Performances
- Paulo Dybala showed why he is one of Roma’s key players, providing both creativity and leadership in the attacking third. His combination play with Lorenzo Pellegrini was vital to Roma’s performance in the match.
- Tammy Abraham looked dangerous and was able to find the net, showcasing his finishing prowess as he looks to lead Roma’s line in the new season.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future for Everton F.C. and AS Roma
The Everton F.C. vs AS Roma preseason friendly was a fantastic occasion to celebrate the opening of Hill Dickinson Stadium while also providing both teams with valuable preparation ahead of the new season.
For Everton, the match was a chance to assess new signings, youth players, and tactical systems under David Moyes. With Brennan Johnson, Mikey Moore, and Djed Spence impressing, it’s clear that the club has an exciting season ahead.
On the other hand, AS Roma’s performance highlighted their competitive edge and strength in key areas, notably in attack and midfield, thanks to players like Paulo Dybala and Tammy Abraham.
As both teams continue to fine-tune their lineups, Everton and Roma will take plenty of positives from this game, knowing they are headed into new seasons with fresh aspirations.
FAQs
Q1: What was the score of the Everton vs AS Roma friendly match?
Everton F.C. won the preseason friendly 5-1 against AS Roma, with goals from Brennan Johnson, Will Lankshear, Mikey Moore, Djed Spence, and Ash Phillips.
Q2: Who scored for AS Roma in the match?
Tammy Abraham scored for AS Roma, with an assist from Paulo Dybala in the second half.
Q3: What was the significance of the match for Everton F.C.?
The match was the first ever at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s new home, marking a historic moment for the club.
Q4: How did Everton’s new signings perform?
Brennan Johnson, Mikey Moore, and Djed Spence all had strong performances, showing potential for the upcoming season.
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