Genoa defeated Roma 2-1 in a Serie A match on Sunday, a result that significantly impacts Roma’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. The winning goal came from a penalty kick scored by Junior Messias, according to reports.
The match represents a setback for Roma manager Daniele De Rossi, who previously played for and captained the club. The defeat “wrecks beloved team’s hope of top 4,” according to Football Italia.
Messias, who is set to be a free agent in June, spoke after the match about his commitment to Genoa, stating that his decision to renew his contract with the club wasn’t solely based on financial considerations. “In this stadium there are always emotions. I live for this, football isn’t just about money or million-dollar contracts,” Messias said in an interview with Sky Sport Italia. “Our job is beautiful and money doesn’t matter.”
The victory for Genoa is considered an upset, with some observers noting it was a rare win against Roma. The result leaves Roma facing an uphill battle to secure a Champions League spot, while bolstering Genoa’s position in the league.
The game concluded with a final score of 2-1, with Messias’s penalty proving to be the decisive moment. The match took place ahead of the Milan derby, adding another layer of significance to the weekend’s Serie A fixtures.
