Roma were held to a goalless draw by ten-man Genoa in what turned out to be an entertaining and dramatic encounter at the Stadio Olimpico. Referee Rosario Abisso and VAR took centrestage in a drama-filled last few minutes.
Both sides had several shots on goal with the hosts coming close on a number of occasions. Roma looked to have sealed three points when Nicolò Zaniolo’s brilliant left-footed shot found the net. However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR check. Zaniolo was expectedly furious with the decision and was later sent off after arguing with the referee.
Jose Mourinho could definitely have asked for a better outcome on his 100th match in Serie A but Genoa will no doubt be pleased with a point.
Starting XIs: Both Sides Unchanged
Roma and Genoa are both unchanged from their previous matches. The Giallorossi beat Empoli 4-2 at the Stadio Carlo Castellani while Alexander Blessin’s side were held to a goalless draw at home by Udinese.
Both Teams Threaten but Neither Break the Deadlock
Genoa started on a positive note and were looking to attack Roma’s goal in the first couple of minutes. They had a corner but were unable to make the most out of it. The Giallorossi attacked as the first half progressed and began putting pressure on the visitors’ defense. Ainsley Maitland-Niles set up a chance for Tammy Abraham during the 39th minute but Salvatore Sirigu somehow managed to prevent the ball from entering the back of the net.
Just moments later, Sergio Oliveira had a shot on goal but it hit the side-netting. Genoa were forced to make a change just before half-time as Mattia Bani suffered an injury. He was replaced by Leo Ostigaard.
VAR Rules Out Zaniolo Strike as Genoa Salvage a Point
Roma continued to attack in the second half and had a very good chance in the 66th minute when Karsdorp’s pass found Tammy Abraham. However, Ostigaard made a crucial intervention to see the ball out for a corner. Just minutes later, the Norwegian was sent off following a foul on substitute Felix Afena-Gyan.
Roma were looking to make the most out of the one-man advantage but were unable to do so. The Genoa backline was up to the task and were making things difficult for the Giallorossi attackers. Stephan El Shaarawy made a few adventurous attempts to find the net but missed time and again.
Roma looked to have won the match through a very good left-footed strike from Zaniolo. However, the goal was ruled out following a VAR check after it showed that Abraham made a foul. This sparked an angry reaction from Zaniolo and he was eventually sent off for arguing. Genoa managed to pull off the draw and salvage a point.
What’s Next for Roma and Genoa
Next up for the Giallorossi is a tough Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Inter on Tuesday while Genoa will be looking to seal their first win of 2022 as they host Salernitana next Sunday.
MATCH SCORECARD
February 5, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 24
ROMA – GENOA 0-0
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ROMA (3-5-2): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp (71′ Veretout), Cristante, S. Oliveira (57′ El Shaarawy), Mkhitaryan, Maitland-Niles (57′ Afena-Gyan); Zaniolo, Abraham (Fuzato, Boer, Vina, Kumbulla, Diawara, Bove, Perez, Zalewski, Shomurodov) Coach: Mourinho |
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GENOA (4-2-3-1): Sirigu; Hefti, Bani (46′ Ostigard), Vanheusden, Vasquez; Sturaro, Badelj; Portanova (71′ Maksimovic), Ekuban (71′ Melegoni), Yeboah (57′ Amiri), Destro (57′ Piccoli) (Semper, Masiello, Calafiori, Galdames, Frendrup, Kallon, Gudmundsson) Coach: Blessin |
REFEREE: Mr. Abisso from Palermo
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Mancini (R), Vanheusden (G), Vasquez (G), Abraham (R); Red Cards: Ostigaard (G), Zaniolo (R); Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 6′