THE MATCH
A victory was needed to stay in the Scudetto zone and overtake Juventus, and Roma responds presently: it is 3-1 against Genoa in the postponement of the 17th matchday of Serie A. Banners galore and lots of applause: Daniele De Rossi is welcomed like this on his return to the Olimpico and the Grifone tries to give him sporting joy. The rossoblù start in an encouraging way, with a very high pressing that asphyxiates Roma, but they lose after a few minutes. The match breaks the deadlock in the 13th minute, the first time Roma overcome that pressure: the pass to Soulé causes the defensive castle to collapse, the Argentinian scores one-on-one with Sommariva and it’s 1-0. Seven minutes pass and the Giallorossi double the lead, with a touch from Ferguson and the 2-0 from Manu Koné (20′), giving the final blow to Genoa. In fact, the Grifone sank and hurt itself in the 31st minute, with Malinovskyi’s error: Sommariva saved on Soulé, but could do nothing on Ferguson’s tap-in. The Irishman finds the goal again and Roma, before the break, see the poker canceled out: the double for Manu Koné, author of a foul on the goalkeeper, disappears. However, a contact in the area between Svilar and Østigård was not punished, infuriating Genoa and De Rossi: there seemed to be a penalty. In the second half we start again from 3-0 and the rossoblù try to play with more impetus, without however making themselves truly dangerous. De Rossi upsets his team with three changes and finds new life from the youngsters Ekhator and Fini, while Gasperini loses Soulé due to a muscle problem. However, Roma were not affected and came close to scoring a poker, with Sommariva being decisive on Cristante and on a couple of occasions. The Giallorossi allow themselves just one error, in the 87th minute, and Genoa punishes: Ekhator closes the gap in the melee. It therefore ends 3-1 and then the emotions kick in for De Rossi, who leaves “his” stadium in tears, to the ovation of the fans. Genoa remains fourth from last with 14 points, +2 on Verona third from last, while Roma dreams: with 33 points they are fourth, overtaking Juve (32), and -3 behind leaders Inter.
REPORT CARDS
Soulé 7.5 – The Argentine confirms himself as the leader of this Roma team. He broke the deadlock with a great run in depth, but he didn’t stop there: he inspired both the second and Ferguson’s goal, coming close to scoring a brace. Out in the 56th minute due to a muscle problem, Gasp crosses his fingers.
Ferguson 7 – Gasperini asked him to respond on the pitch, showing his determination and qualities, and he was satisfied. The malice with which he pounced on the ball to make it 3-0 could represent a new beginning for the former Brighton player, who also serves an assist. It’s cold, however, with Gasperini at the time of the substitution.
Kone 7 – Dominates in midfield, against a Genoa team that is very poor in terms of attacking and leaves plenty of space in the first half. He scores a goal from the area and would also score a brace, but commits a foul on Sommariva.
Ekhator 6.5 – Ekhator and Fini: they are two Under-21 boys who give liveliness to a Genoa team that is exhausted and in serious difficulty. The attacker changes his team’s attacking strategy, with a lot of hunger and the right determination, and is rewarded with the goal in the 87th minute.
Østigård 5 – The penalty not awarded for that contact with Svilar, which infuriates De Rossi, is his best play. In the first half he is never able to read the movements of the Giallorossi attackers: he is always holding his breath.
Malinovskyi 4.5 – His disastrous performance reflects the lack of clarity with which Genoa faced this challenge. He makes a lot of mistakes, practically everything, and opens up a highway for Soulé in the 3-0 action. That backpass is absurd.
THE SCORESHEET
ROMA (3-4-2-1) – Cluster 6; Leaving 6.5 (28’s St 5.5), Ziolkowski 6.5, Hermost 6.5; Cellic 6.5, Crist 6.5 (28′ st Pisilli 5.5), Conne 7, Wesley 6.5 (40′ st Rensch sv); Soulé 7.5 (11′ St. Shaarawy 6), Dybala 7; Ferguson 7 (40′ st Dovbyk sv). To disposed: D. Vasque, Gollini, Angeliñ, Engines, Romans, Mirror. Other. Gasperini.
GENOA (3-5-2) – Summit 6; Autumn 5.5, Østigård 5 (14′ st Market 6), J. Vasque 5; Northern-Cuffy 5, 4.5 (4′ St Fini 6), Frendrup 5 (33′ st Masini sv), Aaron Martin 5.5; Vitinha 5 (28′ St Ekhator 6.5), Ekuban 5.5 (14′ St Colombo 5.5). To dispose: Lysion, Thorsby, Stance, Sabelli, Carboni, Shoulder, Venturin, Mielsons. Other. Of Rossi.
Referee: Di Bello.
Markers: 13′ Soulu (R), 20′ Kone (R), 31′ Ferguson (R), 42′ st Ekhator (G).
Warned: Frendrup (G).
