Paulo Dybala’s agile effort was enough to guide Roma to a 1-0 win over Genoa, booking their spot in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.
The Giallorossi snatched a point in their weekend outing against Scudetto hopefuls Milan and look determined in the second half of this season, keen to stay in the conversation about a top four finish. Jose Mourinho’s side have only won one of their last five league outings.
Roma dominated proceedings at the Stadio Olimpico, being far more productive in possession and peppering the Genoa goal with endless shots, most of which were ultimately off-target.
Nothing could separate the two teams at half time but the Giallorossi were left a little anxious after midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini was forced off with a flexor issue. Mourinho brought on Dybala in his place, a move that changed the match.
Dybala put Roma ahead just after the hour mark with an agile and impressive effort, charging into the box after receiving the ball on the turn and blasting his shot into the near post, leaving Josep Martínez splayed out on the pitch.
Roma remained firm after going ahead and held onto their 1-0 lead, booking their spot in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. They’ll face the winner of Napoli-Cremonese in the next round.