Match Report: AS Roma V Genoa 29th December 2025
On 29 December 2025 by Gillyowl
AS Roma 3 – 1 Genoa
Roma powered their way back into the Serie A top four with a commanding 3–1 victory over Genoa at a bouncing Stadio Olimpico, leapfrogging Juventus and reminding everyone exactly where they belong. Matías Soulé, Manu Koné and Evan Ferguson did the damage long before a late, heavily deflected consolation from Jeff Ekhator could spoil the mood.
The night carried an emotional edge. Gian Piero Gasperini faced the club he once called home for eight years, while Daniele De Rossi returned to the Olimpico for the first time since his dismissal as Roma coach — greeted respectfully, but firmly reminded that this is Roma’s house now.
Still smarting from a narrow defeat to Juventus before Christmas, the Giallorossi responded in the best possible way. Despite missing Evan Ndicka and Neil El Aynaoui due to AFCON duty and Tommaso Baldanzi through illness, Roma were sharp, aggressive and utterly ruthless. The return of Artem Dovbyk to the bench only added to the sense of growing momentum.
Genoa arrived weakened, without suspended goalkeeper Nicola Leali, and it didn’t take long for Roma to sense blood. After just 15 minutes, Soulé sparked celebrations when he calmly capitalised on defensive hesitation, latching onto a loose ball and finishing with the confidence of a player brimming with belief.
The Olimpico was still rocking when Roma struck again minutes later. Gianluca Mancini’s delivery found Koné in space, and the Frenchman’s first-time effort — helped on its way by a deflection — doubled the lead and underlined Roma’s total control.
Any lingering doubt was erased before half-time. A costly error from Ruslan Malinovskyi handed Soulé another opening, and while his initial effort was saved, Evan Ferguson reacted quickest to smash home the rebound. Three goals, total dominance, and Genoa left gasping for air.
Roma could — and probably should — have been four up by the break. Koné forced a superb save from Sommariva before seeing a follow-up ruled out, a decision that felt harsh given the gulf between the sides.
At 3–0, the contest was effectively over. Roma have not dropped points from a winning position all season, and there was never any sense that this would be the night to start. The second half became a question of how many, with Bryan Cristante going closest, only to be denied by an outstanding save.
Genoa’s late goal, via a huge deflection, was little more than a footnote on an evening that belonged entirely to the Giallorossi.
The result sends Roma back into fourth place, above Juventus, and firmly back on course after a brief wobble. Genoa, meanwhile, leave Rome relieved to avoid the bottom three — but very aware of the gap in class on display.
On a night of emotion, authority and intent, Roma didn’t just win — they made a statement.
As the final whistle blew, the Stadio Olimpico found a moment for emotion as Daniele De Rossi was warmly embraced by the Curva Sud, a gesture that transcended the result. Chants of his name rolled down from the stands, scarves were raised, and applause echoed in recognition of a man who remains woven into Roma’s soul. Though now on the opposing bench, De Rossi was welcomed home not as a rival, but as a symbol of loyalty, sacrifice and Romanità. It was a powerful reminder that some bonds in football are unbreakable — De Rossi may have returned with Genoa, but to the Curva Sud, he will always be one of their own. One day I hope he will return as manager and show the world how great Roma can be.
Man of the match
Evan Ferguson
