AS Roma secured a commanding victory. © ANSA / ANGELO CARCONI

Roma shoot their legend out of the stadium

For the first time in his career, Roma legend Daniele De Rossi faced his beloved club. However, the Genoa coach suffered a clear defeat against the capital club on Monday evening.

29 December 2025

From: never

Daniele De Rossi played 616 competitive matches for Roma during his illustrious career before taking a short break in Argentina in July 2019 to conclude his playing days. Around four and a half years later, the 2006 World Cup winner returned to Rome and managed the club for 30 matches. On matchday 17 of the 2025/26 Serie A season, it was finally time again: De Rossi, Roma, football – business as usual? Not quite. For once, the club icon was on the other side on Monday evening, leading struggling Genoa to a 3-0 defeat.

The visitors from Liguria showed courage in the opening minutes and applied constant pressure, but after 14 minutes it was Roma who celebrated the first goal. A long ball was inadvertently headed on by defender Johan Vasquez into the path of Soulé, who, after a short burst of speed in the penalty area, fired a low shot. His shot was deflected by the toe of Sebastian Otoa and found the back of the net.

Koné adds another goal, Ferguson also lucky

Despite taking the lead, Roma didn't let up and definitively seized the momentum. Just five minutes after going 1-0 up, Koné was fortunate with his shot from a central position in the penalty area, as an opposing player deflected the ball decisively, leaving goalkeeper Daniele Sommariva no chance. After a good half hour, fortune smiled on the hosts again when Evan Ferguson, after a save, bundled the rebound over the line from close range (31').

Genoa struggled to get into the game against Roma. © APA/afp / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE

In the second half, Roma continued to play attractive football, with Bryan Cristante even having a chance to make it 4-0 in the 72nd minute. However, shortly before the final whistle, Serie A's best defense suffered a setback: Jeff Ekhator scored a late consolation goal in the 87th minute. The 19-year-old substitute's shot was deflected by Niccolo Pisilli – no surprise on this particular evening. It was Roma's eleventh goal conceded in the league. The capital club maintained their fourth place in the table and now have 33 points. On January 3rd, they face Atalanta (8:45 PM).

Serie A, 17th matchday – the results

Roma – Genoa 3:1 (3:0)
Goals: 1:0 Soulé (14th), 2:0 Koné (19th), 3:0 Ferguson (31st), 3:1 Ekhator (87th)