AS Roma moved into second place in Serie A and kept pace with Inter after beating Genoa 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
The result extended Roma’s unbeaten home record in the Italian top flight to 16 matches, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side recording 12 wins and four draws during that run. It also maintained their unbeaten league start at five wins and two draws.
The victory was a welcome response to Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League defeat by Real Madrid, which brought Roma’s unbeaten opening to the season to an end. They were expected to react against a Genoa side struggling near the bottom of the table, although the visitors created the first openings.
Johan Vasquez failed to make the most of a half-chance inside the penalty area before Roma produced their first serious threat. Matias Soule tested Justin Bijlow with a low shot, but the Genoa goalkeeper saved comfortably.
After a cautious opening 30 minutes, the match began to open up. Leonardo Balerdi came close to breaking the deadlock when his header from close range struck the crossbar, while Bijlow then denied Rodrigo Mora as Roma increased the pressure.
Genoa also came within inches of taking the lead. Former Roma player Stephan El Shaarawy struck the post from 20 yards, giving the hosts a significant escape before the interval.
Roma made the breakthrough shortly after the restart. Santiago Castro showed excellent composure in the penalty area, creating enough room to lift an audacious finish over to the far corner and beyond the stranded Bijlow.
The goal left Roma in control as they sought to extend their strong record against Genoa at home. They had lost only once in their previous 40 Serie A meetings on home soil, winning 33 and drawing six.
Gasperini’s team doubled their advantage in the 68th minute. Soule played a key role in the build-up before Emanuele Lulli arrived unmarked at the far post to tap the ball home.
That goal effectively settled the contest, with Roma able to manage the closing stages without serious difficulty. Genoa substitute Milutin Osmajic forced a save from Pierluigi Gollini late on, but the hosts comfortably protected their lead.
Roma’s success extended their unbeaten league record and moved them up to second, while Genoa left the Stadio Olimpico without reward.
Flashscore named Leonardo Balerdi, of Roma, as the Man of the Match.