p>Genoa secured a crucial victory over AS Roma in an entertaining Serie A encounter, dealing a significant blow to the Roman club’s hopes of securing a top-four finish. The defeat allows Como to draw level with Roma in the battle for a coveted UEFA Champions League place.

Roma arrived in Genoa facing serious squad issues. Key players including Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk were unavailable due to injuries and suspensions, leaving the visitors short of attacking firepower.

The first half developed into a tight and physical contest with few clear chances. Genoa came closest to breaking the deadlock just before the interval when Caleb Ekuban found himself with a golden opportunity from close range, but the forward fired wide from only seven metres out.

The game burst into life after the break. Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini conceded a penalty after bringing down an opponent inside the box, and Junior Messias calmly converted from the spot to give Genoa the lead.

Roma responded strongly and soon found an equaliser through Evan Ndicka. The defender rose highest to head home and continued his remarkable scoring run, finding the net in his third consecutive Serie A match.

However, the decisive moment belonged to the hosts. After a well-worked attacking move involving Ukrainian midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi, the ball was driven across the box by Stefano Sabelli, allowing Vitinha to tap into an empty net and restore Genoa’s advantage.

Late in the match, Mile Svilar produced an excellent save to prevent a third goal, but Roma could not find another equaliser. The final whistle confirmed a 2–1 victory for Genoa, lifting the club to 13th place in the Serie A standings.

2025-26, Italy - Serie A

Genoa - AS Roma 2:1 (0:0)
Goals: Junior Messias, 52 (penalty) (1:0); Ndicka, 55 (1:1); Vitinha, 80 (2:1)

Genoa: Bijlow; Ostigard; Sabelli; Vasquez J-n; Marcandalli; Junior Messias (Malynovskyi, 64); Frendrup; Masini; Ellertsson (Martín A., 79); Ekuban (Vitinha, 75); Ekhator (Colombo, 64)
Substitution: Malynovskyi (from 64); Colombo (from 64); Vitinha (from 75); Martín A. (from 79)
Bench: Leali; Sommariva; Zatterstrom N.; Norton-Cuffy; Onana J.; Amorim; Cornet M.
Yellow Cards: Masini 16

AS Roma: Svilar; Rensch (Ghilardi, 70); Ndicka; Tsimikas; Çelik (Vaz R-o, 84); Mancini G. (Ziolkowski, 84); Pellegrini Lo. (El Aynaoui, 56); Koné M.; Pisilli; Venturino (Cristante, 46); Malen
Substitution: Cristante (from 46); El Aynaoui (from 56); Ghilardi (from 70); Ziolkowski (from 84); Vaz R-o (from 84)
Bench: Gollini; El Shaarawy; Zaragoza Br.
Yellow Cards: Ndicka 12; Malen 40; Cristante 89