Everton and Roma Lock Horns in a Pre-Season Friendly at Hill Dickinson Stadium

In a pre-season friendly that brought together the English Premier League’s Everton and Serie A’s AS Roma, fans witnessed a competitive but goalless match at the newly inaugurated Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 9, 2025. Both teams showcased their preparations for their respective upcoming seasons, but neither managed to break the deadlock over the 90 minutes.

Hill Dickinson Stadium Hosts Its First Match

The match marked a significant milestone for Everton, as it was the first official game held at their new home, Hill Dickinson Stadium. With a roaring crowd welcoming the home side, expectations were high for an exciting clash. The stadium buzzed with energy as Evertonians gathered to witness their team’s debut at the venue. AS Roma, under the management of Gian Piero Gasperini, arrived in Liverpool after a mixed pre-season, including a 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa earlier in the week. The Giallorossi were looking to bounce back and fine-tune their strategies ahead of their Serie A opener against Bologna on August 23.

First Half: Missed Opportunities

The opening minutes of the match saw both teams testing each other’s defenses. Everton started strong, with James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien creating early chances. Tarkowski’s header from a corner in the 5th minute was tantalizingly close but missed the target. Roma responded with a couple of dangerous corners, but their finishing lacked precision. Notably, Neil El Aynaoui and Bryan Cristante both had opportunities to put the Italian side ahead but failed to capitalize.

Midway through the first half, Everton’s Thierno Barry missed a golden opportunity when he flubbed a one-on-one chance with Roma’s goalkeeper, Mile Svilar. Roma’s Matías Soulé came close to scoring as well, hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot in the 44th minute. The first half concluded with both teams level at 0-0, leaving fans eager for more action in the second half.

Second Half: Defensive Brilliance

The second half began with Everton pushing forward aggressively, led by Iliman Ndiaye and Carlos Alcaraz. However, Roma’s defense, marshaled by Angelino and their goalkeeper Svilar, held firm. A crucial moment came in the 58th minute when Ndiaye’s misguided backpass nearly gifted Roma a goal. Everton’s Jordan Pickford made a brilliant save to keep the match level.

Roma, on the other hand, looked dangerous on the counterattack. Cristante attempted a long-range shot in the 52nd minute, but it sailed over the crossbar. The Italian side continued to probe Everton’s defense, with Wesley and El Aynaoui creating half-chances. Despite their efforts, the final ball was often lacking, leaving both teams frustrated.

Pre-Season Preparations and Tactical Insights

This match served as a crucial test for both teams as they prepared for their respective leagues. Everton, under manager David Moyes, fielded a lineup that could closely resemble their starting eleven for their Premier League opener against Leeds United. The team’s inability to convert chances into goals highlighted an area for improvement, but their defensive organization showed promise.

For Roma, the game was an opportunity to integrate new players and experiment with tactics. Despite their struggles to find the back of the net, their possession-based approach and quick transitions were evident. The Giallorossi will need to sharpen their finishing if they hope to compete at the highest level in Serie A this season.

Conclusion

While the match ended in a goalless draw, it provided valuable insights and experience for both Everton and AS Roma. As the new seasons approach, both teams will look to build on this performance, addressing their shortcomings and enhancing their strengths. Fans can look forward to seeing how these pre-season lessons translate into competitive success in the weeks to come.