Castro's wondergoal keeps Roma in touch with Inter

WATCH EVERY Serie A game LIVE on beIN SPORTS | Sign up here and take advantage of our 7-day FREE TRIAL | AU | NZ

Having seen Inter Milan defeat Bologna 3-1 to pull clear at the top of the table earlier in the day, Roma saw off a stern challenge from Genoa, managed by Giallorossi icon Daniele De Rossi, to keep pace with the Nerazzurri.

Chances were at a premium for much of the first half, but the crossbar was rattled at both ends within the space of three minutes.

For Roma, defender Leonardo Balerdi met Niccolo Pisilli's corner with a header that bounced clear off the woodwork, then Genoa's Stephan El Shaarawy, who played 348 games for the Giallorossi across two spells at the club, left the frame of the goal shaking with a thunderous 20-yard volley.

But Roma only needed five minutes at the start of the second half to make the breakthrough, and Castro's first goal for the club was certainly one to remember.

Matias Soule's inswinging corner from the right side was glanced on by Castro but ricocheted back into his path, with white shirts surrounding him. In a tight space, he spun away from two markers before scooping an incredible effort into the far corner with the outside of his right boot.

While Roma's first goal was all about the finish, it was the build-up that made their 68th-minute second special.

Soule had two defenders for company when he received the ball up against the touchline inside his own half, but some lovely footwork allowed him to escape down the right flank, and after dribbling inside and exchanging passes with Lorenzo Pellegrini, he crossed to give teenager Lulli a tap-in.

Pierluigi Gollini had to stay alert to parry a stinging drive from Milutin Osmajic, but that was as much danger as Gian Piero Gasperini's side faced as it cruised to a fifth win in seven Serie A matches this term.