Gasperini rages at VAR after Genoa 2-1 Roma: ‘Should do another job’ | OneFootball

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is convinced his players had the right attitude despite a 2-1 defeat at Genoa, but is unhappy VAR didn’t award the Giallorossi a penalty kick for a Ruslan Malinovskyi handball: ‘If they aren’t certain about this, they should do another job.’

Roma suffered a 2-1 away defeat against Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa on Sunday.

Today’s loss leaves them fifth in the standings, level on 51 points with fourth-placed Como and just one point above Juventus.

Gasperini comments on Genoa 2-1 Roma

“We approached the game really well; we were determined and solid,” Gasperini told DAZN via TMW.

“We didn’t have many shots on target, and perhaps they had even fewer than we did. We weren’t even lucky in the final minutes, but the team spirit was very high.”

Malinovskyi blocked a Manu Koné shot with the upper part of his right arm in the second half, with the result still set to 1-1, and Gasp certainly believes the Genoa midfielder’s touch should have led to a penalty kick.

“The incident is quite clear; VAR didn’t intervene. Everyone can see it their own way, but the images are so clear,” Gasperini said.

“If those in charge of VAR aren’t certain about this, they should do another job. You can’t change reality; it’s quite evident. He didn’t impose the penalty, and we shouldn’t consider other interpretations.

“There was great intensity with long balls from any position, quite suitable for a player like Cristante,” Gasperini continued.

GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Vitor Vitinha of Genoa celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)

“It was really difficult to play the ball on the ground, but the lads were good; it’s not a lucky moment. Svilar made the first save in the second half. Now we have a busy schedule with two games against Bologna.”

Roma’s next game is away at Bologna in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16. Next Sunday, they’ll host Como at the Stadio Olimpico in what will be a crucial match in the race for the top four.

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on February 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)