Stephan El Shaarawy continued his fine run of individual form as he scored Roma’s goal in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Genoa.


Sports Livestream ⚽ JOIN NOW for FREE
Instant access to the BT Sport, Sky Sports and Eurosport


The forward looked like he had perhaps clinched a vital win for the Giallorossi with his clinical 82nd minute strike – but a late equaliser ended up spoiling the afternoon for the visitors.

“It was a very important goal but it’s a shame we didn’t get all three points,” El Shaarawy said.

“I dedicated the goal to Orsetta, a girl that died two weeks ago. I knew her – she was a physio at Genoa and a very special person. I scored in her stadium so that goal was for her.”

Is that one point gained, given the last-gasp penalty, or two points dropped?

“Let’s hope it can be the point that takes us into next year’s Champions League. It’s a missed opportunity, given that we took the lead in the 81st minute, and in a game of that kind. At this kind of ground, matches aren’t over until they’re over – Genoa never give up and they showed that.

“We’ll take this point – there are three games left and we must keep believing until the very end. It’s crucial for us to get into the Champions League.”

You’re three points behind Atalanta. Is it a tougher ask after this draw?

“It is more difficult but while it’s still mathematically possible, we have to believe. We’ve got back on the right track in recent games, in terms of our league standing, getting results and conceding fewer goals. We need to keep going like that, staying united, compact and fighting for every ball, right until the last.”