Leon Bailey might have only played 22 minutes on his AS Roma debut, but the Jamaican winger is already being tipped to make a difference in the club’s pursuit of success in Serie A.

Bailey got his first taste of top-flight Italian football on Saturday after coming on as a 73rd minute substitute in Roma’s 1-0 defeat to 20-time champions Inter Milan. He also created history becoming just the third Jamaican-born player to play in Serie A, joining Luther Blissett in 1983 with AC Milan, and Trivante Stewart in 2023 with Salernitana.

Bailey, 28, joined on a season-long loan from English Premier League club Aston Villa in August after falling down the pecking order under Unai Emery. In four seasons, he made over 140 appearances, registering 22 goals and 24 assists in all competitions but only managed two in 38 appearances last season.

However, his new life in the Italian capital started off badly after picking up a leg injury in his first training session. This forced him to miss the club’s previous eight fixtures and also ruled him out of the Reggae Boyz’s four final-round Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers in September and October.

However, after finally making his first appearance for Roma under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Bailey says he’s looking forward to great things.

“Obviously, I’m not happy — the result wasn’t good, but I can say I’m happy to be back on the pitch,” he said. “I hope to help the team. I didn’t have a great start, but I’m back and I want to fit in as soon as possible.

“We have to move in the right direction, and I know these players can do it. There’s still a long way to go, we have to stay positive. The next match will be soon, and we have to forget about this.”

Bailey’s cameo appearance at the weekend also caught the eye of legendary Italian sporting director Walter Sabatani.

Sabatani, who has served at clubs including Inter Milan, Roma and Lazio, says Bailey could become an impact player for the club.

“I received a wonderful message from Bailey. When he came on, it sparked a great deal of hope in me,” he told Italian TV outlet
La Nuova Domenica Sportiva.

“He has the right quality to revitalise the Giallorossi attack. If he finds consistency, he could become a key player.”

Italian journalist Daniele Aloisi says Bailey could be the missing piece in Gasperini’s attack.

“He had only tasted the Olimpico from the stands, but on Saturday he gave a first glimpse of his qualities. Above all, the dribbling and [skills] to pass two opponents just minutes after his entry drew applause,” he said.

“Elegance and explosiveness, Gasperini needs a player like this to strengthen an offensive package that has been disappointing so far. Seven goals in as many Serie A matches is a meagre haul and the Jamaican is a new arrow to add to the bow. Last year, he failed to make an impact with Aston Villa, but two seasons ago he reached double figures in the Premier League. He is not yet at 100 per cent and will gradually find his best form, but the desire to do well is strong.”

Bailey could get his first start for the club in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday when they take on Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic.

He’s also expected to return to the Reggae Boyz squad for their final two World Cup Qualifiers next month against Trinidad and Tobago, and Curacao.

Reggae Boyz winger Leon Bailey attempts a cross in his AS Roma debut against Inter Milan in Serie A at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.