Roma bounce back from Real Madrid collapse with 2-0 win over Genoa as Gasperini hits 300 Serie A wins

Roma recover from Olimpico collapse

Roma returned to winning ways in Serie A on Saturday with a 2-0 home win over Genoa, keeping them within touching distance of league leaders Inter after a demoralising midweek Champions League defeat.

The Giallorossi had gone down 4-3 to Real Madrid on Wednesday, conceding three late goals from set-pieces after leading 3-1. Gian Piero Gasperini said he had no doubt the squad would react.

"Losing that way was devastating, because the performance had been so good, and thoroughly deserved," Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia. "We ruined it for ourselves with three corner kicks in about seven minutes, but before that Real Madrid were not hurting us at all, in fact we were creating the chances."

"That's what irritated us, so I had no doubt that we would react well this evening. Many of the players had to experience it from the bench, so I knew they'd have that determination and energy in them today to let it all out on the pitch."

Gasperini added: "Genoa might not have the champions of Real Madrid, but they are tactically very well-drilled, and it took us a while to get to grips with them."

Goals and milestone

Roma were without Donyell Malen through suspension but eased to victory at the Stadio Olimpico. Santiago Castro and youth product Emanuele Lulli grabbed the goals.

The win marked Gasperini's 300th victory in Serie A, making him just the fifth coach to reach the milestone. It also took Roma to 17 points from their first seven league matches for the first time since 2014-15, when they took 18 points from the opening seven games.

Roma remain unbeaten in 40 of their last 41 home Serie A matches against Genoa, W33 D6, including all of their last 24, W20 D4.