Harakiri Roma, cade a Genova e ora per la Champions è piena bagarre

In the first leg, he called it the ugliest match of his management. Today, however, it could be the most exhilarating for his Genoa: Daniele De Rossi beats 2-1 his former Roma, reaches 30 points, and moves +6 above the relegation zone.

A heavy slip for the Giallorossi, who are now tied for fourth place with Como (their next opponent in the league) and with Juventus closing in at -1.

It’s a clash of great former players on the benches as well. De Rossi opts for the tactics favored by Gasperini: a 3-4-2-1 formation, vertical play, man-to-man marking all over the field, and fierce duels.

The Roma struggles to find ways out of the Rossoblù's grip. The absence of Dybala, Soulé, and the suspended Wesley weighs heavily: former Venturino is often isolated on the left, while Pellegrini fails to consistently set up Malen. This results in a blocked first half, which Roma ends without shots on target.

The only real opportunity, at the end of the half, belongs to Genoa: a cross from the left, Ekuban anticipates Mancini with a diving effort but shoots too high.

The match opens up due to a mistake at the start of the second half. In the 51st minute, Pellegrini steps on Ellertsson's foot in the box: a clear penalty, and Messias does not miss from the spot.

The Giallorossi's response is immediate and comes from an added striker: after a scramble, Ndicka finds a deflected header that deceives Bijlow and the Ligurian defense. For the Ivorian, it’s his third goal in a row, but the evening is marred by a caution for being on a yellow card that will cost him the match against Como: a heavy absence for Roma.

As the pace slows, Genoa strikes again. In the 80th minute, a throw-in routine frees up Masini: a sharp cross and a precise touch from Vitinha for the 2-1.

Gasperini goes all in by bringing on Vaz, but it’s not enough. In fact, at the end, Malinovskyi even has a chance for a third goal: Svilar, however, instinctively makes a great save to keep his team alive.

Little changes in the economy of the standings. The Genoa takes a decisive step towards salvation. The Roma, on the other hand, sees its Champions race complicated just before the double commitment in the Europa League against Bologna.