
Series A
5:00 p.mMarch 8, 2026
Regular season – 28
Luigi Ferraris
Referee: Andrea Colombo, Italy


Genoa


AS Roma
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
2.46
Expected Goals (xG)
0.32
Passing by
156 (62%)
Accurate passes
350 (76%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
16
G
Justin Bijlow
6.3
22
d
Johan Vasquez (C)
6.5
5
d
Leo Østigård
7.6
27
d
Alessandro Marcandalli
6.5
20
M
Stefano Sabelli
7.2
M
Patrizio Masini
32
M
Die Frendrup
6.3
77
M
Mikael Ellertsson
7.3
18
F
Caleb Ekuban
6.2
F
Junior Messiah
52′
21
F
Jeff Ekhator
6.6
Substitutes
70
F
Maxwell Cornet
4
M
Alexsandro Amorim
14
M
Jean Onana
34
d
Sebastian Otoa
76
d
Chris Gecaj
15
d
Brooke Norton-Cuffy
13
d
Nils Zätterström
1
G
Nicola Leali
39
G
Daniele Sommariva
d
Aaron Martin
F
Vitinha
80′
F
Lorenzo Colombo
M
Ruslan Malinovskyi
99
G
Mile Svilar
7.0
19
d
Zeki Celik
6.2
d
Evan Ndicka
55′
23
d
Gianluca Mancini
6.3
12
M
Konstantinos Tsimikas
6.3
17
M
Manu Cone
6.7
61
M
Niccolò Pisilli
6.0
2
M
Devine Rensch
6.6
20
F
Lorenzo Venturino
6.3
7
F
Lorenzo Pellegrini (C)
5.9
F
Donyell Malen
trainer
Piero Gasperini Gian

Serie A classification – Serie A
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – Serie B
Genoa produced a stunning upset, defeating AS Roma 2-1 at home thanks to a late winner from substitute Vitinha.
Genoa, struggling at the bottom of the Serie A table in 15th place, faced a formidable challenge from AS Roma. The visitors arrived in 4th position, with the aim of consolidating their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. This match at the Luigi Ferraris promised a tough test for the locals.
The first half saw a physical encounter with early bookings. Roma’s Evan Ndicka received a yellow card in the 12th minute. Soon after, Genoa’s Patrizio Masini was booked in the 16th minute for a challenge. Both teams showed signs of early aggression.
Roma had a significant advantage in possession, controlling 65% of the ball. However, Genoa showed more offensive intent, registering more shots. D. Malen also received a yellow card for Roma in the 40th minute for a foul, highlighting the combative nature of the half.
Despite offensive efforts from both sides, the score remained intact. The teams headed into the interval in a goalless draw. Undoubtedly, both coaches called for more precision and urgency from their players, looking to break the deadlock.
The second half exploded into action. In the 52nd minute, Genoa broke the scoreboard when Junior Messias calmly converted a penalty. The home crowd erupted as their team took a crucial lead against their higher-ranked rivals.
However, Genoa’s joy was short-lived. Just three minutes later, in the 55th minute, Roma defender Evan Ndicka found the back of the net. Their swift equalizer silenced the home fans and showed Roma’s resilience and determination to stay in the competition.
As the game wore on, both coaches turned to their benches for fresh momentum. Genoa brought on Vitinha in the 75th minute, an inspired substitution. The young striker quickly looked to score the game, giving rhythm to Genoa’s attack.
With only 10 minutes remaining, Vitinha got his name on the scoreboard. Patrizio Masini provided a crucial assist, allowing Vitinha to guide the ball home in the 80th minute. His well-taken goal restored Genoa’s lead and sent the stadium into raptures. Roma’s Bryan Cristante was shown a yellow card at the end for snubbing.
Genoa defied the statistics and secured the win with just 35% possession. Their clinical finishing was highlighted by an Expected Goals (xG) number of 2.46, well above Roma’s 0.32 xG. Genoa recorded 11 shots in total with 5 on target, while Roma had only 7 shots with only 1 on target, illustrating Genoa’s efficiency.
This vital 2-1 win significantly boosts Genoa’s Serie A survival bid and improves their league position. For AS Roma, the unexpected defeat is a setback in their quest for a top-four finish, highlighting areas for improvement. The match will be remembered for Genoa’s impressive fighting spirit and Vitinha’s late heroics.

