De Rossi Stuns Former Club as Genoa Defeats Roma in Serie A
Genoa delivered a significant blow to Roma’s Champions League aspirations with a 2-1 victory on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in a Serie A match at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium. The result, orchestrated by Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi, a former Roma legend, sees Roma overtaken by Como in the race for a top-four finish.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The match began with an early yellow card for Roma’s Evan Ndicka, setting the stage for a tense encounter. Junior Messias opened the scoring for Genoa with a penalty, but Roma quickly responded through Evan Ndicka, leveling the score. But, Vitinha secured the win for Genoa in the 82nd minute, leaving Roma to rue missed opportunities and a crucial defeat.
De Rossi’s Emotional Return to Haunt Former Club
Daniele De Rossi, who enjoyed a celebrated playing career and a stint as coach at Roma, expressed a complex mix of emotions following the win. Whereas acknowledging the disappointment his former club must feel, De Rossi emphasized his commitment to his current role at Genoa. “I don’t want to minimize or say I’m not sorry for their disappointment, but I don’t want to justify myself or pretend to be sorry,” De Rossi stated in a post-match interview with Football Italia. “I’m happy, not because Roma lost, but because I won.”
De Rossi further elaborated on his long-term aspirations, stating his ultimate goal is to see Roma succeed, even if it means opposing them in the present. “This will be my destiny until the day when I hope Roma win 38 matches. That is my target and the dream of many people. Maybe, one day it will happen.”
Serie A Standings and Implications
The defeat drops Roma to fifth place in the Serie A standings with 51 points, level on points with Como but behind on goal difference. The upcoming match between Roma and Como will be pivotal in determining which team secures a coveted Champions League spot.
Injuries and Suspensions
Roma entered the match with a significant number of injuries, including Paulo Dybala, Evan Ferguson, Matias Soulé, Mario Hermoso, and Artem Dovbyk. Wesley was too serving a suspension, forcing 19-year-old Lorenzo Venturino to make his first start against his parent club. Genoa was also dealing with injury concerns, with Tommaso Baldanzi (Roma-owned) sidelined, and Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Sebastian Otoa not fully fit.
Looking Ahead
Roma faces a crucial week as they prepare to take on Como, while Genoa will look to build on this momentum. The outcome of these matches will significantly impact the Champions League qualification race and the remainder of the Serie A season.