De Rossi delighted as Primavera defeat Genoa

Coach Alberto De Rossi was delighted with the character his side showed, in a difficult game against another of the league's top sides.

"We were almost flawless in the first half," said Alberto De Rossi post-match. "Perhaps we even deserved more. After the break, however, we were no longer able to build out from the back - thanks in part to an excellent Genoa side who have caused problems for every team that have come here.

"We didn't have powerful forwards and lacked the ability to allow the team to push up. That said, I must highlight how well the players did to adapt and settle into the game."

Roma's first two goals came before the interval thanks to free-kicks from Riccardo Marchizza and Emanuele Spinozzi, though the hosts asked serious questions of the Giallorossi in the second period. Lorenzo Crisanto saved the latest penalty of his career but he could do nothing about the second effort from 12 yards which halved the deficit. Three minutes from time, Edoardo Soleri made it 3-1 with a wonderful backheeled finish.

De Rossi was then asked whether his players thought the game was already won at half time: "No chance. They have too much experience for that and know they mustn't even think that. The problem, as I've said, was Genoa coming back into the match. They pressed us and we weren't able to keep the ball on the deck, which is where we're usually very strong. We stretched the pitch once Soleri came on and he scored the lovely third goal to kill the game."

De Rossi's side therefore continue to lead the way in Group C, bringing home three points despite numerous absentees against one of the surprise packages this season.

"I'm even more pleased today," he said. "We deliberately have a smaller squad because we want to work well with all the players. However, we were missing some players today and the guys I picked did everything that was asked of them.

"I will have a few selection headaches ahead of our next game and that's a great problem to have as a coach."