Castro and Lulli send Roma to 2‑0 win and within two points of Inter

Santiago Castro and Emanuele Lulli scored their first goals for Roma to secure a 2-0 win over Genoa, moving Gian Piero Gasperini’s side within two points of Inter after the league leaders won earlier in the day. Both goals came after the break, following a goalless first half at the Olimpico.

Roma made seven changes from the team that started against Real Madrid in the Champions League. The reshuffled side had plenty of the ball in the attacking half, while Genoa defended deep and looked to break forward.

The first half offered chances at both ends. Matías Soulé tested goalkeeper Bijlow in the 18th minute, and Roma came close when Leonardo Balerdi’s header from a corner struck the crossbar. Rodrigo Mora also forced a save from Bijlow, with Castro unable to turn the rebound in from an offside position.

Genoa hit the woodwork too. After a mistake by Evan Ndicka, Stephan El Shaarawy struck the crossbar with a powerful effort. The teams went into half-time level at 0-0.

Castro broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. He turned in a crowded area and lifted the ball past Bijlow to give Roma the lead. Lulli made it 2-0 in the 68th minute, finishing after Bijlow parried Soulé’s shot. The two second-half goals settled the contest and gave both scorers their first Roma goals.

The win puts Roma two points behind Inter, who had already collected their result earlier on Saturday. It also gives Gasperini’s side a response after their Champions League meeting with Real Madrid and keeps the pressure on the teams above them.

Roma’s next league match is away to Napoli on Saturday, 24 October, at 18:00 CEST. Genoa return home to face Venezia on Sunday, 25 October, at 15:00 CET.