Genoa began positively and made life difficult for the hosts before the break, but Roma improved after half-time and found the breakthrough through Castro’s delicate finish in the 50th minute. Lulli doubled the lead in the 68th minute, converting after a move created by Matías Soulé.
Gian Piero Gasperini said he had expected a strong response from his players following the painful defeat to Real Madrid, when AS Roma conceded three goals in seven minutes.
“I had no doubts that we would react strongly. This is a group I know. Anyone involved in sport knows that sometimes you suffer defeats that are difficult to digest, but you always have to respond,” the Roma manager said.
Gasperini admitted the previous result had left the team angry, but said that energy helped them approach the Genoa game with the right mentality. Roma had some problems in the first half, particularly dealing with long balls, but adapted after the interval.
“We were very motivated. We had some difficulties in the first half, but in the second we adapted differently. The second half was of real quality,” he said.
Castro’s opener changed the mood of the contest, with the striker lifting the ball over Genoa’s defensive line and into the net. Gasperini was delighted with the goal and with the contribution of Lulli, who scored his first Serie A goal.
“I am delighted for Lulli. He is emerging, and he is an extraordinary young man. We have worked a lot on arriving at the far post because he can do that. Tonight he got there and read the trajectory of the shot,” Gasperini said.
The Roma coach also praised the squad players who stepped in after a demanding week, saying the team had been stretched by injuries and the need to rotate. He expressed hope that Paulo Dybala would be available again soon, potentially for the upcoming matches.
De Rossi felt Genoa had competed well for much of the game, particularly during the opening 50 minutes, but admitted his side lacked the attacking threat to recover after conceding.
“Considering Roma’s quality, I think we did well for the first 50 minutes. We held our shape in the first half, conceded little and could have done better in certain attacking situations,” the Genoa manager said.
He believed Castro’s goal had a psychological effect on his players. “Being compact and then conceding a goal like Castro’s can have an impact,” he said.
De Rossi also reflected on returning to the Olimpico, where he spent much of his playing career. He said he was happy to receive the affection of Roma supporters but remained focused on his current role.
Roma’s victory kept them close to the top of Serie A, while Genoa left empty-handed despite a competitive first half.