

FolioPitch.com – 18 October 2026 | Emanuele Lulli and Santiago Castro celebrate Roma dream come true with first goals as the Giallorossi secured a 2-0 Serie A victory over Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening. The match, which saw coach Claudio Ranieri make seven changes from the side that started against Real Madrid in the Champions League, provided a platform for squad players to shine. Both goals came from players who had never previously found the net for the club, making it a memorable night in the Italian capital.
Teenage youth team product Lulli, 19, was named Man of the Match after his maiden Serie A strike. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he said: “I am so happy, it’s a dream come true, but I have to keep working. I thank the coach and my teammates, now we’ve got to focus on the next games.” The teenager has been making a name for himself this season and credited his teammates for helping him settle. “The squad puts me at my ease, they all encourage me, tell me to go and show what I can do. Dribbling and one-on-one situations are my strengths, so it’s what I must try to do, with no fear and facing every game with my full focus.”
For Castro, who arrived from Bologna in the summer, the goal was also a long-awaited first in Roma colours. The Argentine, who recently made his senior debut for his country, admitted the game was a tough physical battle. “I am very happy, it was a very tough game today, as Genoa play man for man,” he said. “There were quite a few lads today who haven’t played that much, so it gives them all more confidence and helps the fitness levels too. We are all first choice players, there are no reserves, we’re all part of the same squad.”
Castro’s finish, a delicate dinked effort, drew comparisons with Napoli legend Ezequiel Lavezzi’s famous goal against Milan in 2010. The forward revealed that he had recently spoken to Lavezzi at Lionel Messi’s final game. “I do remember it, I spoke to Pocho the other day when we were at Leo Messi’s final game. I am glad to have scored my first goal, as I hit the woodwork several times this season, including again today.”
The victory was particularly satisfying for Ranieri, who had to juggle his resources due to injuries, suspensions, and fatigue following the midweek European clash. The seven changes meant opportunities for fringe players, and they grasped them with both hands. The coach praised the depth of his squad, and the performance underlined the competitive spirit within the group. As Lulli and Castro celebrate Roma dream come true with first goals, the result keeps Roma’s momentum going in Serie A.
Lulli’s rise from the youth ranks has been one of the stories of the season. The 19-year-old has impressed with his dribbling and direct running, and his goal against Genoa was just reward for his development. The club’s faith in youth is evident, and Lulli’s Man of the Match award will only boost his confidence. For Castro, the goal relieves pressure after several near misses. The summer signing from Bologna had hit the woodwork multiple times, including earlier in this match, but his persistence paid off with a stylish finish that evoked memories of Lavezzi.
The attacking duo’s breakthrough is a positive sign for Roma as they navigate a busy fixture list. With key players returning from injury and suspension, the competition for places will intensify, but both Lulli and Castro have shown they can contribute. Their goals were the highlight of a solid team performance, and the clean sheet was an added bonus. The Giallorossi now look ahead to their next challenges with renewed optimism.
As the final whistle blew, the Olimpico crowd applauded the efforts of their team, and the two scorers received special acclaim. Lulli and Castro celebrate Roma dream come true with first goals, a moment they will cherish forever. The victory keeps Roma in the hunt for a top-four finish, and the emergence of young talent like Lulli, combined with the integration of Castro, bodes well for the future. The coach will be pleased with the depth and character shown by his squad, and the fans will hope this is just the beginning for the two forwards.
In conclusion, the 2-0 win over Genoa was a night of firsts for Roma, with Lulli and Castro celebrate Roma dream come true with first goals. Their contributions, along with a resilient team display, secured three valuable points and provided a glimpse of the squad’s potential. As the season progresses, the Giallorossi will need all their players to step up, and the performances of Lulli and Castro suggest they are ready to answer the call.
Ahonui Stanford Damar somehow turned a literature degree into a career writing news—maybe because fiction and breaking news both require a healthy dose of imagination. Based in Tangerang since 2011, he balances his journalistic cyn
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