De Rossi and El Shaarawy receive standing ovation at team-sheet reading for Roma-Genoa

Roma returned to Serie A action at the Stadio Olimpico against Genoa on 17 October 2026. Matías Soulé received the match's first yellow card in the 43rd minute for a clumsy challenge on Ostigard during a promising Roma attack. Genoa's squad included former Roma players Daniele De Rossi, Stephan El Shaarawy and Baldanzi. Rosario Abisso from Palermo's referee section took charge of the fixture, assisted by Alberto Tegoni of Milan and Thomas Miniutti of Maniago. Giuseppe Collu of Cagliari served as fourth official. Luca Pairetto of Nichelino managed the VAR, with Luca Massimi of Termoli as assistant VAR.

Roma hosted Genoa at Stadio Olimpico in a Serie A fixture on matchday seven, drawing a crowd of over 63,000 supporters. The Curva Sud paid tribute to Giuseppe De Vivo, known as Peppone, a long-standing figure in Roma's ultras who died ten years ago. A banner was unfurled reading: "From the stands to the sky forever in our hearts… In memory of Peppone!"

D'Amico spoke to DAZN minutes before Roma's match against Genoa, reflecting on the squad's recent Champions League campaign and their preparations for the fixture ahead. On Roma's performance against Real Madrid, D'Amico said: "It left us with the awareness of having played a really great match for 82 minutes, of having expressed good football, we were truly proud. The last ten minutes teach you lessons, because the Champions League does this — it makes you stronger even in defeat." Regarding Santiago Castro's arrival at the club, he added: "Santi came with great enthusiasm. We wanted him strongly for these moments. As the manager says, opportunities come, and we are convinced he will do well because he has everyone's confidence." D'Amico emphasized that squad depth remains a priority as Roma balance multiple competitions. "We expect something beautiful from the whole squad," he explained. "For us, the group is the driving element of the work. We are coming from a particular evening and tonight's will be even more difficult. The theme of squad depth exists when you face these competitions, but it is a step to reach if we want to maintain and play in the Champions League."

Roma returned to Serie A action at the Stadio Olimpico against Genoa on 17 October 2026. Matías Soulé received the match's first yellow card in the 43rd minute for a clumsy challenge on Ostigard during a promising Roma attack. Genoa's squad included former Roma players Daniele De Rossi, Stephan El Shaarawy and Baldanzi. Rosario Abisso from Palermo's referee section took charge of the fixture, assisted by Alberto Tegoni of Milan and Thomas Miniutti of Maniago. Giuseppe Collu of Cagliari served as fourth official. Luca Pairetto of Nichelino managed the VAR, with Luca Massimi of Termoli as assistant VAR.

Stephan El Shaarawy spoke ahead of Roma's Serie A fixture against Genoa on matchday seven, reflecting on his emotional return to a stadium where he left part of his heart. "I allow myself a few minutes to look at the stadium, but then on the pitch there will be a battle to be fought and we need to think about taking three points, which will be very important for us," he said. El Shaarawy acknowledged the significance of Roma's recent victory over Fiorentina in breaking what he felt was a period of stagnation. "It was a fundamental win. Winning helps you win," he said. He warned that Genoa would present a tough challenge despite their absences, urging his side to fight hard and secure points. "Today it certainly won't be easy given the opponent, who despite the absences remain a very strong team. There will really be a battle to be fought and we must try to get points," he added.

Roma drew 0–0 at home against Genoa in Serie A's seventh round on 17 October, with both sides hitting the crossbar but unable to break the deadlock at Stadio Olimpico. Gian Piero Gasperini made significant changes to his squad following Roma's Champions League loss to Real Madrid, fielding Balerdi, Koulierakis, Lulli and Rensch in a reshaped defence, while Rodrigo Mora started in attack alongside Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro. Genoa, managed by former Roma boss Daniele De Rossi, set up compactly and created early opportunities through Stephan El Shaarawy, whose shot from the edge of the box deflected wide in the eighth minute. Roma pressed for control but struggled to create clear chances in the opening half. Leonardo Balerdi's header from a Niccolò Pisilli corner struck the post at the 30-minute mark, while Castro came close at the 31st after Rodrigo Mora had powered a header that Genoa goalkeeper Bijlow saved. El Shaarawy then rattled the Genoa crossbar after an excellent strike from distance in the 33rd minute. Gasperini was forced to operate with several key players unavailable: Mile Svilar, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné and Paulo Dybala were sidelined, while Donyell Malen was suspended. Soulé received a yellow card in the 42nd minute for dangerous play. Arbiter Abisso controlled the match, with assistants Tegoni and Miniutti. The teams entered halftime level at 0–0, with Roma having suffered from construction errors and a lack of incisiveness in their build-up play. Roma had last won in Serie A away at Turin; Genoa arrived in the capital buoyed by a recent victory over Fiorentina. De Rossi's return to the Olimpico as an opposing manager added emotional weight to the fixture.