Genoa secured their first home victory of the Serie A (SA) season with a stunning 4-1 triumph over Roma, ending their 17-match winless run against the Giallorossi. The hero of the match was Mateo Retegui, who scored a sensational goal to inspire his team to victory.
Coming off a narrow defeat against Fiorentina, Genoa manager Alberto Gilardino praised his team for their fighting spirit, especially as they played with 10 men for the majority of the match. This determination was evident from the beginning of the game, as the hosts broke the deadlock within five minutes through Albert Guðmundsson, who finished calmly into the bottom-right corner after receiving a clever pass from Kevin Strootman.
Despite their slow start, Roma grew into the match and found an equalizer in the 22nd minute. Bryan Cristante headed home from Leonardo Spinazzola’s inviting delivery, giving his team hope. However, Genoa quickly restored their lead just before halftime when Retegui unleashed a clinical volley beyond the reach of Rui Patrício.
With Roma struggling to break through Genoa’s defense, manager José Mourinho introduced Andrea Belotti at the start of the second half. However, the visitors continued to toil in the final third, as Genoa held firm under pressure. Determined to improve their poor start to the SA season, Roma tried to up the ante in the final 25 minutes but fell further behind in the 74th minute. Morten Thorsby headed home from close range, giving Genoa a two-goal advantage and settling any nerves among the home support.
Genoa then added insult to injury by scoring a late fourth goal through Junior Messias. His first-time strike into the bottom corner sealed an impressive victory for Gilardino’s men.
Roma will be desperate to return to winning ways against Frosinone in their next match after a lackluster start to the season, with just one victory in their opening six SA matches.