Five Things We Learned: Strootman and Fazio lay foundations for success

A first half own goal from the unfortunate Armando Izzo was all that separated the two sides at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, in a game where some wasteful Giallorossi finishing – and a couple of sublime Wojciech Szczesny saves – ensured no further goals would be forthcoming.

Here are some of the key details to emerge from the 90 minutes.

Vital road win perfect start to 2017

Roma started their first game of the New Year in perfect fashion by securing a tough yet well-earned 1-0 victory at one of the league’s toughest away grounds. Roma deserve credit for the way they competently navigated through one of the most difficult away trips in the league, against a side who'd already impressively beaten Juventus, AC Milan and Fiorentina at the Marassi.

Indeed, showing immense character and the required mental fortitude was a key determining factor in Luciano Spalletti's men getting all three points.

“The team produced a fantastic performance today, especially in terms of their character, personality and physical presence,” the coach said. “We took all of the little shortcomings we’d identified and turned them into strengths to win the match today. You have to hand it to the lads.”

Fazio fantastic again

Federico Fazio began the New Year as he finished the last one, with another dogged defensive performance that proved to be the bedrock on which his side’s display was founded.. By remaining positionally sound and concentrated throughout, in combination with his aerial dominance and physical power, Fazio ensured it was a hugely challenging afternoon for his opponents.

Giovanni Simeone, lauded for his impact this season, endured a particular difficult duel with Fazio, as the usually resourceful forward just couldn't find any joy against the aggressive enforcer. The fact Fazio won four aerial duels, made four interceptions and completed an astonishing 22 clearances underlined just how well he lead the backline for the away side.

"It’s not the first game he’s hit such high standards – he consolidated his recent form today," Spalletti pointed out.

Strootman illustrates his undeniable class

The Dutch midfield powerhouse was everywhere throughout the victory, as his unbelievable fitness and desire to do all he could to benefit his side, on both sides of the ball, saw him have a profound impact on the contest. Whether tracking back to support his teammates or setting up chances for his teammates, and everything in between, Kevin Strootman's all-encompassing performance demonstrated just why he's such an integral component of this Roma outfit.

“Strootman is back to the levels that only a great player can reach – he held everything together and kept our play nice and short,” Spalletti offered. “We struggled without him, but everything worked well today and I’m delighted.”

Roma's pressure key in winning second balls

The way Roma regularly stifled the Griffins' best efforts to pass out from the back proved crucial in disrupting Ivan Juric's men's attacking excursions. Often forced to loft the ball forward as a result of Roma's well-executed marking scheme, the Romans’ aerial dominance subsequently saw them win the lion's share of second balls in such scenarios.

In addition, the success of their press and advantage in regaining possession following said long balls afforded them many opportunities to attack an unsettled Genoa defensive unit.

Left side setup creates plenty of opportunities

Roma's astute targeting of the left flank was a strategy that persistently bore fruit, in large part due to the mechanics Spalletti’s side used to create favourable situations for themselves.

With Diego Perotti occupying the left half space (or the interior corridor) of the flank, and then Strootman or Daniele De Rossi pushing over to support him, this provided left wing back, Emerson Palmieri, with a terrific platform to embark on underlapping inside runs.

This enabled Roma to stretch Genoa down this side and added another dimension to the home side's attacking forays, with the Brazilian's dynamic runs often catching their opponents off guard.

With Juan Jesus then covering across to defend the space vacated by his compatriot, an adventurous strategy was reinforced at the back – and Roma were able to reap the rewards from it.