Genoa Secure Vital Victory Over Roma at Stadio Luigi Ferraris

Key Takeaways:

• Genoa claimed their fourth win from their last five home fixtures with a 2-1 triumph over AS Roma
• Junior Messias netted his third goal of the campaign, converting a penalty early in the second half
• Roma remain only one point clear of fifth-placed Como ahead of their meeting with Cesc Fabregas’ side next week

Stalemate in the First Half

AS Roma entered their clash with Genoa keen to bounce back from a recent 3-3 draw with Juventus, which saw them squander a two-goal advantage. Confronting a Genoa side battling relegation, the visitors appeared poised to capitalise and reignite their pursuit of UEFA Champions League qualification.

The first period, however, delivered little to cheer for either set of supporters. Genoa demonstrated marginally greater intent, yet the closest anyone came to opening the scoring was Junior Messias, whose attempt was comfortably gathered by Mile Svilar in the Roma goal. At the other end, Roma were largely uninspired, failing to register a single effort on target. Devyne Rensch’s wayward strike represented their only notable opportunity, leaving home keeper Justin Biljow untroubled before the break.

Triplice fischio#GenoaRoma pic.twitter.com/I0RsXVBtCW

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) March 8, 2026

Second-Half Drama as Goals Emerge

After a cautious and cagey first 45 minutes, entertainment levels rose significantly following the interval. Genoa immediately applied pressure and were awarded a penalty after Mikael Ellertsson was felled by Lorenzo Pellegrini inside the box. Junior Messias confidently dispatched the spot-kick for his third goal of the Serie A season, propelling Genoa into the lead.

Roma responded swiftly. Gianluca Mancini’s effort was cleared off the line by Messias, only for Evan Ndicka to capitalise moments later, looping a header into the net to restore parity. The momentum briefly threatened to swing in the visitors’ favour, with substitute Lorenzo Colombo unleashing an acrobatic shot that was tipped away by Svilar.

Genoa Edge Out as Victors

Though the encounter reverted to a more measured tempo, Genoa’s incisiveness eventually told. Substitute Vitinha made a decisive impact, sliding in to meet Patrizio Masini’s low cross and restore the hosts’ advantage. Roma pressed in search of another equaliser but found no reply, ultimately succumbing to a result that leaves them just one point above Como, whom they are set to face next week in a pivotal fixture.

For Genoa, the win marks their fourth success in five home outings, extending their cushion over the relegation zone to six points. With a contest against relegation rivals Hellas Verona looming, the Grifone will be buoyed by their improved form and prospects for avoiding the drop.