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Roma W vs Genoa W: Serie A Women Clash on 16 May 2026

Stadio Tre Fontane stages a meeting of opposites on 16 May 2026, as league leaders Roma W host bottom side Genoa W in Serie A Women. With Roma sitting first on 52 points and Genoa 12th on 10 points in a 12‑team table, the stakes are clear: Roma are closing in on the title and Champions League confirmation, while Genoa are fighting to avoid relegation.

Context and stakes

In the league, Roma W have been the benchmark. They top the table with 16 wins, 4 draws and just 1 defeat from 21 matches, boasting a +23 goal difference (42 scored, 19 conceded). Their current form line reads “WWWWW”, underlining a relentless late‑season surge.

Genoa W arrive in Rome in the opposite situation. They are 12th with only 2 wins all season (2‑4‑15), a goal difference of -23 (18 for, 41 against) and a form sequence of “LDLLD”. The table labels their position explicitly as “Relegation”, so every remaining point is vital if they are to survive.

This is a regular season Round 22 fixture, but it carries the weight of two separate battles: Roma trying to finish the job at the top, Genoa trying to keep their heads above water at the bottom.

Roma W: dominant, flexible, and ruthless at home

Across all phases, Roma’s statistical profile is that of a champion‑elect. They average 2.0 goals scored per game and only 0.9 conceded. At Stadio Tre Fontane they are even more impressive: 10 home matches, 7 wins, 3 draws, 0 defeats, with 21 goals scored and just 8 conceded.

The underlying numbers reinforce that superiority:

  • Fixtures across all phases: 21 played, 16 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss.
  • Clean sheets: 11, split 5 at home and 6 away, showing defensive consistency.
  • Failed to score: 0 – they have found the net in every league match.
  • Biggest home win: 4-0, illustrating their ability to run away with games.
  • No home defeats at all this season.

Tactically, Roma have been built on continuity. Their most used formation is 4‑3‑3 (8 matches), with occasional switches to 4‑1‑4‑1 and 4‑4‑2 (2 matches each). That 4‑3‑3 shape underpins a high‑tempo, possession‑based game, with midfielders comfortable between the lines and full‑backs able to push high.

The standout individual is midfielder Manuela Giugliano. She is the league’s second‑ranked player by rating, and her numbers across all phases are elite:

  • 19 appearances (18 starts), 985 minutes.
  • 8 goals and 2 assists from midfield.
  • 33 shots (16 on target), showing she is a frequent and accurate shooter.
  • 432 passes with 22 key passes, indicating a dual role as creator and finisher.
  • Penalties: 3 scored, 0 missed – a flawless individual record from the spot.

Giugliano’s presence gives Roma multiple routes to goal. She can arrive late on the edge of the box, dictate tempo from deeper positions, and convert penalties when Roma’s front line draws fouls. Her 7.62 average rating reflects her influence in both phases of play.

Roma’s team penalty record is also perfect this season: 5 taken, 5 scored. That reliability from 12 yards adds another layer of threat, especially against a defence that often finds itself under pressure.

Defensively, conceding just 19 in 21 matches and keeping 11 clean sheets points to a compact, well‑drilled back line. The average of 0.8 goals conceded at home suggests that if Roma score first, they are extremely difficult to peg back.

Genoa W: survival battle, away‑day struggles

Genoa’s season has been a grind. Across all phases, they have played 21 matches, winning just 2, drawing 4 and losing 15. They average 0.9 goals scored per game and 2.0 conceded, which mirrors their -23 goal difference in the league table.

Away from home, the picture is even more stark:

  • 10 away games, 0 wins, 3 draws, 7 defeats.
  • 7 goals scored (0.7 per game), 22 conceded (2.2 per game).
  • Only 1 away clean sheet.
  • Biggest away defeat: 5-0.

Their biggest home win (3-1) shows they can be competitive on their own pitch, but travelling has exposed their structural weaknesses. Genoa have used a wide variety of formations – 4‑3‑3 (6 times), 4‑1‑4‑1, 3‑4‑1‑2, 4‑2‑3‑1, 4‑4‑2, 4‑1‑3‑2, 4‑3‑2‑1 – suggesting a coach still searching for a stable identity and the right balance between defence and attack.

The defensive data underlines the challenge they face in Rome:

  • 41 goals conceded in 21 matches (2.0 per game).
  • Only 3 clean sheets in total.
  • 7 matches without scoring, so when they fall behind, they often struggle to respond.

They have at least shown composure from the penalty spot: 1 taken, 1 scored this season. But with limited attacking output and a leaky defence, Genoa will likely approach this match with caution, prioritising compactness and transitions over possession.

Discipline could also be a factor. Genoa’s yellow cards skew heavily towards the closing stages: 30.77% of their bookings come between minutes 76‑90. That pattern hints at fatigue and late‑game pressure, which is risky against a Roma side that can maintain tempo for 90 minutes.

Head‑to‑head

The recent competitive history between these two clubs at this level is minimal but telling. There is one league meeting in the 2025 season so far:

  • 25 January 2026, Serie A Women, at Stadio La Sciorba in Genoa: Genoa W 0-1 Roma W. Roma W won 1-0 away.

With no other competitive matches in the dataset, the head‑to‑head record stands at:

  • Roma W wins: 1
  • Genoa W wins: 0
  • Draws: 0

That solitary fixture reinforces the gulf in quality, with Roma already having shown they can win on Genoa’s turf.

Tactical battle and key themes

On paper, this is a classic top‑versus‑bottom clash, and the tactical dynamics reflect that.

Roma are likely to:

  • Line up in their preferred 4‑3‑3, using width and high full‑backs to pin Genoa back.
  • Rely on Giugliano’s passing and shooting from midfield to unlock a deep block.
  • Press high, aiming to force turnovers against a side that has struggled in possession under pressure.
  • Use their set‑piece and penalty strength to capitalise on any defensive errors.

Genoa, by contrast, are expected to:

  • Sit in a compact shape, probably with four at the back and a crowded midfield.
  • Try to keep the central areas tight and force Roma into wide, low‑percentage crosses.
  • Look for counter‑attacks and set pieces as their primary attacking outlets.
  • Manage the game’s emotional and disciplinary aspects, avoiding the late yellow‑card spikes that have plagued them.

The matchup between Roma’s relentless attacking rhythm and Genoa’s attempt to survive waves of pressure will define the afternoon. If Roma score early, the contest could open up quickly. If Genoa can frustrate them into the second half, tension and nerves might offer the visitors a glimmer of hope.

The verdict

All available data points heavily towards a Roma W victory. They are unbeaten at home, score twice per game on average, have never failed to score this season, and boast one of the league’s standout players in Manuela Giugliano. Genoa, winless away and conceding 2.2 goals per away match, face a daunting assignment.

From league position to form, from goals for and against to head‑to‑head, the evidence suggests Roma should control the match and extend their lead at the top. For Genoa, success may be measured less in points and more in resilience: keeping the scoreline respectable, avoiding disciplinary trouble, and looking for any small opening that might keep their survival hopes alive.