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This was a big match for Roma on the final day of Serie A, with the capital club needing a win to clinch second place and an automatic spot in the Champions League. But the game carried extra significance, as it was also Francesco Totti's last game after 25 seasons with the same club. The occasion was so significant that Italian media proclaimed it "Totti Day."
Indeed it was so much more than just a game between Roma and Genoa, as the huge crowd waved banners and posters, saying goodbye to the 40-year-old Totti, who confirmed his departure on Thursday.
The game, however, did not start well for Roma, after Pietro Pellegi scored in the third minute for Genoa. His goal itself was a landmark moment, with the 16-year-old becoming the first player born in 2001 to score a Serie A goal.
Roma then canceled out that opener with an equalizer from Bosnian star Edin Dzeko.
At 1-1, the volume rose when Roma legend Totti was subbed on in the 54th minute for his 786th appearance, and his 619th Serie A game.
With 16 minutes remaining, former Manchester City striker Dzeko pulled the ball back for Daniele de Rossi, who blasted it in to put Roma ahead.
Darko Lazovic brought it back to 2-2 for Genoa, but Diego Perotti scored in the final minute from Dzeko's header to seal a late win for the hosts, providing an exhilarating finish to a thriller of a game.
At the final whistle, Totti walked around the stadium with tears in his eyes. The 40-year-old made his debut aged 16 in 1993, and played under 16 different coaches during his 25 seasons at his home city club.
Totti had earlier confirmed that the match would be his last for Roma, after he was not offered a new contract. The former Italy international captain however hinted that he could continue his career elsewhere.
(CGTN)
