AS Roma moved up to fourth place in Serie A after a comfortable 3-1 win over Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico, finishing the year just three points behind leaders Inter Milan.
Roma came into the match under pressure after losing three of their last four league games, but they made a perfect start. They scored with their first shot of the match when Matías Soulé calmly finished after 14 minutes for his fifth league goal of the season.
Genoa’s problems quickly got worse. Five minutes later, Manu Koné picked up the ball in a crowded penalty area and his shot took a deflection before going into the corner of the net to make it 2-0.
Roma were in full control before half-time. Poor defending from Genoa gave Soulé another chance, which was saved, but Evan Ferguson reacted fastest to score the third goal from close range. Roma thought they had scored a fourth before the break, but Koné’s effort was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.
After half-time, Roma eased off and the game slowed down. Chances were limited, although Genoa goalkeeper Daniele Sommariva made an excellent save to deny Bryan Cristante. Genoa managed a late consolation goal through a deflected shot from Jeff Ekhator.
Roma had already done the damage in the first half and comfortably saw out the win. It was an important result for Gian Piero Gasperini, especially after criticism of Roma’s lack of goals this season. Genoa, meanwhile, remain just above the relegation zone in 17th place.
