Genoa vs Roma – News and Probable Lineups

As they fight for a top-four finish in Serie A, Roma will pursue their goal of Champions League qualification when they take on Genoa, who are battling relegation, this Sunday.

The two managers, both of whom have previously thrived at other clubs, will lead their respective sides from the dugouts at Stadio Ferraris, with both in dire need of securing three points.

Match overview

Last week, Roma squandered a two-goal advantage against Juventus, another team contending for the top four, conceding twice in the final moments and ultimately settling for a draw at home.

Goals from Wesley, Evan N’Dicka, and rising star Donyell Malen only managed to earn them a point in a six-goal thriller, but it was enough to keep the Giallorossi ahead in the standings.

After 27 matches, Roma are four points above sixth-placed Juventus, with big-spending Como in between them, which sets the stage for an intense battle for Champions League spots next season.

The reigning Serie A champions Napoli are also competing for a place in Europe, and only the two Milan clubs appear to be safe, so Gian Piero Gasperini’s side must limit their mistakes.

Roma have also progressed to the last 16 of the Europa League, where they will face domestic rivals Bologna in the first leg next week, but first they must travel to Liguria.

Though they have claimed only three points from seven clashes against Italy’s top five teams this season, only leaders Inter de Milano have performed better against clubs in the bottom half.

Additionally, the capital team has scored in their last 10 away matches against Genoa, losing only once in their last 21 league encounters.

Notwithstanding their poor record, Genoa have taken four points from their last two home fixtures against Roma: a stunning 4-1 victory in September 2023 and a 1-1 draw a year later, which marked Daniele De Rossi’s last match as the head coach of the Giallorossi.

Currently focused on keeping the Grifone in Serie A, De Rossi enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Roma and had a difficult term as their manager last season.

He has actually won both of his managerial duels against the respected Gasperini, who has previously managed Genoa for 297 games during two successful tenures.

‘Gasp’ holds the record for the most wins in the club’s top-flight history and even guided them into Europe, but De Rossi’s primary aim is to prevent them from being relegated to Serie B.

Genoa have managed just one victory in their last five outings, with last week’s 2-0 loss to Inter leaving them precariously three points above the relegation zone.

Nonetheless, they have secured three wins from their past four home games, scoring at least twice in each match, amassing a notable total of 12 goals in five games at the Ferraris this year.

Team News

Roma continue to face challenges in their attacking lineup, as Paulo Dybala is set for knee surgery, along with Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Artem Dovbyk (thigh) who remain out.

In this situation, Malen stands as the Giallorossi’s primary striker: despite joining in mid-January, the Dutch forward is already tied with Matias Soule as the leading scorer in the league with six goals and was recently named Serie A’s ‘Player of the Month’.

Gasperini’s selection is somewhat constrained, with Soule dealing with a groin issue and Spanish centre-back Mario Hermoso also uncertain, while Wesley is serving a suspension.

Similar to Soule and Malen, Lorenzo Colombo from Genoa has also tallied six Serie A strikes this season, with all coming since De Rossi’s appointment in November, and he is expected to spearhead the attack for the hosts.

Sebastian Otoa and Roma loanee Tommaso Baldanzi are confirmed to be unavailable due to injuries, and there’s a slight doubt regarding English wing-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

Genoa probable starting XI:

Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Norton-Cuffy, Ellertsson, Frendrup, Malinoxyi, Martin; Vitinha, Colombo

Roma probable starting XI:

Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Celik, Cristante, Kone, Rensch; Pisilli, Pellegrini; Malen

Roma’s defence has been formidable this season, but they conceded three last week, while Genoa have begun to find their scoring touch at home.

The legendary De Rossi possesses an unblemished record against Gasperini, meaning the Grifone could pose a challenge for his beloved club this weekend.