Genoa secured a valuable 2–1 victory over AS Roma at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, continuing their strong home form with a fourth win in their last five matches on their own turf.
Roma arrived needing a victory to strengthen their push for a UEFA Champions League spot after squandering a two-goal advantage in a 3–3 draw with Juventus in their previous outing.
On paper, a trip to struggling Genoa appeared manageable, but the visitors failed to take control of the contest.
The opening half offered little excitement as both sides struggled to create clear chances. Genoa were marginally the more dangerous team, with Junior Messias producing the closest attempt when his effort was comfortably handled by Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
Roma, meanwhile, rarely threatened the hosts’ defence before the break. Their best opportunity came from Devyne Rensch, but his attempt sailed well wide, meaning Genoa goalkeeper Justin Bijlow was not seriously tested in the first 45 minutes.
The match came alive after the restart, with both sides finding the net early in the second half. Genoa took the lead when Mikael Ellertsson was brought down inside the penalty area by Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Messias stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, registering his third goal of the season.
Roma responded quickly. After Gianluca Mancini had seen an earlier effort cleared off the line by Messias, Evan Ndicka rose highest to guide a looping header into the net and restore parity.
Substitute Lorenzo Colombo later attempted an acrobatic effort that was denied by Svilar, but Genoa gradually regained the upper hand.
Their persistence paid off when substitute Vitinha slid in to finish Patrizio Masini’s low delivery and restore the home side’s advantage.
Roma pushed for a late equaliser but could not find a way back, suffering a defeat that leaves them only one point ahead of fifth-placed Como ahead of their upcoming clash with Cesc Fabregas’ side.
For Genoa, the victory provides breathing space in the relegation battle, moving them six points clear of the bottom three.
With a meeting against struggling Hellas Verona next on the schedule, they will be confident of further improving their position.
