Roma continue superb home form with comfortable win over Genoa

Roma were used to fast starts at the Stadio Olimpico, having opened the scoring within 13 minutes in their previous three home games, and Paulo Dybala almost continued that streak with a ferocious free-kick that hit the crossbar after nine minutes.

The Giallorossi, however, did not have to wait much longer for their opener, which came midway through the first half when Lorenzo Pellegrini's volley was saved by Nicola Leali, but Artem Dovbyk lurked inside the six-yard box to finish his ball with ease. fifth goal in six games.

Just as the hosts began to push for a second, they were put back after a well-worked Genoa corner Fabio Miretti picked out Patrizio Masini in the area and the midfielder unleashed a first-time volley low into the net past a helpless Mile Svilar. .

Suddenly, Roma were in danger of going into half-time deficit in Serie A for the first time since November, when Alessandro Zanoli raced behind the Giallorossi defense, but the midfielder failed to capitalize and his indecisive cross was cleared.

Roma took control again after the break, eager to restore their lead and hoping to complete a sixth straight home win. The Giallorossi felt they should have been awarded a penalty after the ball hit Stefano Sabelli's hand in the area, but the appeals were rejected. by referee Luca Zufferli.

However, the hosts' frustrations were short-lived as substitute Stephan El Shaarawy fired Roma back in front with a supreme curling effort from 20 yards that curled into the bottom corner.

Claudio Ranieri's side then rounded off the points with a late third after Genoa failed to clear Manu Koné's cross and Paulo Dybala pounced to lift the ball over Leali and into the net.

The Ranieri effect continues at Roma as the Giallorossi are now just five points off the Serie A European qualification positions after a five-match unbeaten run.

Patrick Vieira's side showed glimpses of disruption at the Stadio Olimpico but were ultimately outplayed and the Frenchman suffered only his second defeat in nine games in charge of the Rossoblu.