Roma beat Genoa 2–0 as Castro opens scoring after halftime

Changed Roma lineup meets early Genoa threat

Gasperini changed much of his team for the match, later explaining that his selection reflected the energy of players who had previously been substitutes.

Roma were without Malen, Dybala and Kone, with Mora initially selected behind Castro and Pellegrini on the bench. Genoa threatened early when El Shaarawy forced Gollini to turn his effort behind for a corner.

In the 19th minute, Bijlow saved Soulé's left-footed attempt from outside the area, denying Roma a breakthrough with the game still scoreless.

Both sides strike the crossbar before halftime

Balerdi hit the crossbar with a header from a corner on the left. Bijlow also had difficulty stopping Mora's first-half header, while El Shaarawy struck the crossbar from outside the penalty area before halftime. Neither side found an opening goal.

Castro breaks through and Lulli adds the second

Gasperini later said Genoa's long balls caused first-half difficulties and that adjustments helped Roma improve after the interval.

Castro opened the scoring early in the second half, lifting the ball over several opponents and beneath the crossbar. Lulli doubled Roma's lead with an open-goal finish after a move initiated by Soulè.

During the move for the second goal, Pellegrini's right-footed shot deflected off Genoa's Vásquez toward Lulli, who supplied the finish to extend Roma's advantage after Castro's opener.

Lulli's goal was his first in professional football, giving the second of Roma's two second-half goals an additional personal significance.

Osmajic attempts a response

Genoa sought a response through Osmajic in the 79th minute. His attempt across goal came with the visitors still looking for their first goal.

Roma controlled the closing stages without further danger to complete the victory.