Messias opens from the spot, Ndicka equalizes, but Vitinha delivers the decisive goal as Genoa claim a crucial win on Matchday 28.
Genoa CFC secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over AS Roma at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Matchday 28 of Serie A.
The result strengthens Genoa’s position away from the relegation zone, while Roma miss the chance to move clear of Como in the race for European places.
Physical First Half, Few Chances
The opening 45 minutes were defined more by intensity than clear opportunities. Both teams battled hard in midfield, with tackles and duels dominating the early phases.
Junior Messias was the most active attacking outlet for Genoa, frequently testing Roma’s defensive shape. At the other end, Donyell Malen tried to create danger through individual runs but struggled to produce a decisive moment.
The best chance of the half arrived late on when Messias delivered a cross for Ekhator, who managed to get in front of Gianluca Mancini but sent his effort over the bar from close range.
Quick Exchange of Goals
The match came alive early in the second half.
In the 52nd minute, Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini brought down Ellertsson inside the penalty area. Messias stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, firing straight down the middle to give Genoa the lead.
Roma responded almost immediately. Just three minutes later, a corner kick created chaos in the box. Messias initially blocked Mancini’s attempt, but Evan Ndicka reacted quickest, heading the rebound into the net to level the score.
The Roma defender has now scored in three consecutive matches.
Vitinha Decides It
Roma pushed forward in search of a winner, but Genoa struck the decisive blow in the final stages.
In the 80th minute, substitute Vitinha finished from close range after a perfectly timed assist from Masini, restoring Genoa’s advantage.
Roma launched a late assault, with Malen seeing a dangerous effort deflected and Bryan Cristante attempting to force an equalizer from a corner.
Genoa nearly sealed the result on the counterattack when Ruslan Malinovskyi was denied by a brilliant save from Mile Svilar.
The final whistle confirmed a crucial victory for the Rossoblù and a frustrating night for Roma.
Match Report
Genoa 2-1 Roma
Scorers:
52’ Messias (Genoa, pen.)
55’ Ndicka (Roma)
80’ Vitinha (Genoa)
Genoa (3-5-2): Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Sabelli, Masini, Frendrup, Messias (64’ Malinovskyi), Ellertsson; Ekhator (64’ Colombo), Ekuban (75’ Vitinha).
Head Coach: De Rossi
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini (84’ Ziolkowski), Ndicka, Celik (84’ Robinio Vaz); Rensch (67’ Ghilardi), Koné, Pisilli, Tsimikas; Venturino (46’ Cristante), Pellegrini (56’ El Aynaoui); Malen.
Head Coach: Gasperini
Referee: Colombo
Bookings: Masini (Genoa), Ndicka (Roma), Malen (Roma), Cristante (Roma)
