AS Roma U20 and Genoa U20 shared the spoils in a compelling 2-2 draw in the Italian Campionato Primavera 1 on 24 October 2026, with the visitors striking late to deny Roma a home victory. In a match that swung between patient buildup and sudden transitions, Roma twice took the lead, but Genoa’s persistence and willingness to attack until the final whistle earned them a deserved point.

Match overview

Roma started with the greater urgency, pressing Genoa’s back line and forcing turnovers in midfield. The home side’s reward arrived in the 18th minute when Riccardo Lanza finished calmly after a neat exchange with Federico Nardo. Roma’s lead, however, lasted only 16 minutes. Genoa responded with a sharp counter-attack and Andrea Cabella leveled with a low effort that beat the Roma goalkeeper at his near post.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Roma regained control after the break and restored their advantage in the 61st minute through Matteo Cenci, whose first-time finish capped a flowing move down the right. Genoa, though, refused to fold. The visitors pushed more bodies forward in the final 20 minutes and found an equalizer in the 84th minute when Pietro Gandolfo converted from close range after a scrambled set piece.

Key moments

• 18’ – Roma 1-0: Riccardo Lanza opens the scoring with a composed finish after Federico Nardo’s incisive pass.
• 34’ – Genoa 1-1: Andrea Cabella equalizes on the break, punishing Roma’s loss of possession in midfield.
• 61’ – Roma 2-1: Matteo Cenci restores the lead with a low first-time strike from the right side of the box.
• 84’ – Genoa 2-2: Pietro Gandolfo reacts quickest in a crowded penalty area to level the match.
• 90+2’ – Late chance: Roma win a corner and send everyone forward, but Genoa clear the final delivery.

Tactical story

Roma’s 4-3-3 shape gave them width and allowed their full-backs to push high, but it also left space behind for Genoa’s counter-attacks. Genoa sat compact in a 4-4-2 block and looked to spring forward through the channels whenever Roma overcommitted. That approach produced the first equalizer and kept the visitors in the game even when Roma enjoyed longer spells of possession.

Roma’s midfield trio controlled the rhythm for long periods, but Genoa’s direct running in the final third made the difference late on. The home side’s inability to manage the final stages of the match will frustrate the coaching staff, especially after twice holding the lead.

Standout players and table impact

Lanza and Cenci were Roma’s most dangerous outlets, combining movement with quick link-up play. For Genoa, Gandolfo’s late equalizer capped a strong all-round performance, while goalkeeper Luca Ferrando made two important saves to keep the deficit manageable.

The point keeps Roma in the chasing pack in the Campionato Primavera 1 standings, while Genoa add a valuable away point to their season tally. Both sides showed enough attacking quality to suggest they will remain competitive, but both will also know that tighter game management could have changed the result.