Roma got back to winning form in Serie A by defeating Genoa 2-0, with Santiago Castro and Emanuele Lulli each netting their maiden goals for the club. This outcome halted a streak of two straight league stalemates and provided a reply to Wednesday’s thrilling 4-3 Champions League loss to Real Madrid, where Roma let slip a 3-1 advantage in the closing stages.
Roma altered seven positions from their European match, as Donyell Malen was unavailable due to suspension after receiving a red card against Como. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné, Mile Svilar, and Bryan Cristante were likewise sidelined because of injuries.
Roma vs Genoa: opportunities and excitement before the break
The game signified a poignant comeback to the Stadio Olimpico for ex-Roma personalities Daniele De Rossi and Stephan El Shaarawy, who came with Genoa following their initial Serie A triumph of the campaign over Fiorentina. Genoa were additionally coping with multiple injury issues, while Italy Under-19 international Samuel Wiafe earned his debut Serie A start.
El Shaarawy almost provided the away side with an early lead, but Pierluigi Gollini denied his attempt using his legs at the near post after nine minutes. Roma fired back via Matias Soulé, whose instant shot from the penalty area boundary was too near the keeper.
Roma nearly broke the deadlock near the 30-minute mark when Leonardo Balerdi headed a Niccolò Pisilli corner onto the crossbar. Rodrigo Mora then made Justin Bijlow pull off a solid save with a header, even though Santiago Castro was in an offside position when the rebound came.
Genoa likewise hit the frame before halftime. El Shaarawy’s instant attempt from the box edge ricocheted off the crossbar after a crucial block had stopped Milutin Osmajic, leaving both teams annoyed despite generating encouraging chances.
Santiago Castro nets the opening Roma goal versus Genoa
Roma at last went ahead soon after the interval via an unconventional yet striking finish from Castro. A corner was headed down among a cluster of players close to the near post, enabling the ex-Bologna forward to swivel and scoop the ball into the far upper corner from about seven yards out.
The strike was Castro’s inaugural one for Roma and highlighted his creativity in a packed penalty area. Following a tightly fought first half, the breakthrough handed the hosts the edge they had been seeking.
Emanuele Lulli clinches Roma’s 2-0 Serie A triumph
Roma extended their advantage through another flash of personal brilliance, this time featuring Soulé and teenage academy graduate Emanuele Lulli. Soulé started his sprint within his own half, evaded two tackles, and traded passes with Lorenzo Pellegrini before his shot was diverted by a Genoa defender.
The loose ball fell to Lulli at the far post, and the 19-year-old converted to claim his inaugural Serie A goal. His effort confirmed the 2-0 outcome and provided Roma with a second scorer, marking a first landmark for the club.
Genoa kept seeking a reply, with Osmajic making Gollini save a fierce shot. The away team also brought on Robinho Junior, the offspring of ex-Milan and Brazil forward Robinho, for his Serie A bow, but Roma persisted to secure the win.