All eyes were on the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night as Roma clashed with Genoa in a pivotal Serie A Week 17 showdown, capping off the 2025 calendar year. The Giallorossi, still nursing the sting of a recent 2-1 defeat to Juventus, knew a victory would propel them back into the coveted top four, leapfrogging their Turin rivals. Meanwhile, Genoa, with just one win in December and back-to-back losses to Inter and Atalanta, desperately needed to steady their ship before the year’s end.
The pre-match build-up buzzed with anticipation, not just for the stakes in the table, but for the emotional return of Daniele De Rossi. The former Roma captain and ex-head coach, now donning Genoa colors, was back at the Olimpico for the first time since his managerial exit last September. The stage was set for a night charged with nostalgia, ambition, and the relentless pressure of Serie A’s tightest title race in years.
Roma’s lineup was a blend of resilience and opportunity. The trio of Paulo Dybala, Matias Soule, and Evan Ferguson led the attack, promising a dynamic forward line. Artem Dovbyk, back from a five-match injury absence, started on the bench, ready to inject fresh energy if called upon. The Giallorossi were forced to make do without Tommaso Baldanzi, sidelined by illness, while defensive stalwart Evan Ndicka and midfielder Neil El Aynaoui were away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini entrusted the back three to Mario Hermoso, Gianluca Mancini, and Jan Ziolkowski, with Mile Svilar between the posts.
For Genoa, Daniele Sommariva replaced the suspended Nicola Leali in goal following a red card last week. Leo Ostigard returned to the back three, joining Otoa and Vásquez, while Caleb Ekuban and Vitinha spearheaded the attack. The visitors’ midfield, marshaled by Malinovskyi, Frendrup, and Ellertsson, aimed to disrupt Roma’s rhythm and exploit any lapses in concentration.
The match kicked off at 19:45 GMT, with both teams knowing the significance of every point in a Serie A season where just four points separated the top five. The intensity was palpable from the opening whistle. Roma, spurred on by a raucous home crowd, pressed high and looked to capitalize on Genoa’s recent defensive frailties.
Early on, Roma’s attacking trio showed flashes of brilliance. Dybala, always a threat with his vision and quick feet, combined well with Soule and Ferguson, keeping Genoa’s defenders on their toes. Ferguson, the young Republic of Ireland international, drew special praise from Gasperini, who told DAZN, “He’s on the right track. Being a young guy, he has a lot of room to be a decisive player, especially for becoming a big centre-forward. He has the advantage of still being really young, and so he needs to have the desire, the determination and needs to recognise where he is and who came before him. He has to be very strong, at least on an emotional level, to achieve that.”
Roma’s early pressure paid off. The home side controlled possession and repeatedly threatened on the counter. Soule’s creativity and Dybala’s movement unsettled Genoa’s backline, while Ferguson’s physical presence provided a focal point up front. The Giallorossi’s midfield, anchored by Koné and Cristante, dictated the tempo, allowing the wing-backs Celik and Wesley to surge forward and stretch the play.
Genoa, to their credit, remained compact and looked for opportunities on the break. Ekuban and Vitinha worked tirelessly to find space, while Norton-Cuffy’s runs down the right offered a glimmer of hope for the visitors. However, Roma’s defense stood firm, with Hermoso and Mancini snuffing out danger and Svilar alert to any threats.
The first half saw several key moments. Cristante unleashed a fierce half-volley from the edge of the area, forcing Sommariva into an excellent save to tip the ball around the post. On the other end, Genoa’s set-pieces caused a few nervy moments, but Roma’s organization held strong.
As the match wore on, substitutions began to shape the narrative. Dovbyk and Rensch entered for Roma, replacing Ferguson and Wesley, injecting fresh legs into the attack. Genoa responded with changes of their own, introducing Masini for Frendrup and later bringing on Ekhator, Marcandalli, Fini, and Colombo as they chased a way back into the contest.
Roma’s fans were treated to moments of individual brilliance, none more so than El Shaarawy’s audacious bicycle kick in the area—a spectacular effort, though ultimately thwarted by Norton-Cuffy’s quick defending. The home side continued to press, with Dybala orchestrating attacks and Soule darting into dangerous positions.
Yet, as the game edged toward its conclusion, Genoa found a late lifeline. A free-kick from Martin was lofted into the box, headed back across goal, and Ekhator managed to bundle the ball into the net, aided by a significant deflection—possibly off Roma substitute Pisilli. Svilar was left with no chance as the ball trickled over the line, giving Genoa a late consolation and a glimmer of hope in the dying minutes.
The final whistle blew a few moments early, with the Stadio Olimpico rising to salute Daniele De Rossi. The former Roma icon, visibly emotional, took a lap of honour, shaking hands with the Curva Sud Ultras and applauding all four stands. Despite the defeat, it was a poignant moment for De Rossi, who later admitted, “I’m angry on the inside, it’s frustrating because I didn’t like the performance we put in. That feeling still remains despite the final goodbye, the support from my fans, from my former fans, from my former players. They would have done the same with a draw, a victory or a defeat, but it would have been a bit nicer to go and say goodbye to them after a different performance. I’m sorry I had a stern face on during that farewell, but they know me. They know that I don’t have any other way of experiencing football.”
With the result, Roma closed out 2025 in fourth place, just three points off the top of a fiercely competitive Serie A table. The standings after 17 matches saw Inter Milan leading with 36 points, followed closely by AC Milan (35), Napoli (34), Roma (33), and Juventus (32). As the league heads into the new year, the title race promises more twists and turns, with every point crucial in a season where margins are razor-thin.
For Roma, the victory restored momentum and belief, while for Genoa and De Rossi, the focus shifts to regrouping and climbing the table in 2026. With the top five separated by just four points, Serie A fans can expect plenty more drama as the campaign heats up.
