Roma were held to a 1-1 draw by Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night, as they lost ground on second-placed Napoli.
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The Giallorossi were under pressure to respond to the weekend’s results, as they have one eye on Napoli ahead of them while also looking to ensure that they maintain a safe gap over Inter.
Both of their rivals won, and given their recent form which saw them go 10 games unbeaten with nine victories in Serie A, many tipped Roma to secure a win over a Bologna side still looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.
However, the home crowd were stunned in the first half as Luca Rossettini headed home to give the visitors the lead as tension grew in the Italian capital.
Salah hit the woodwork three times on the night while Stephan El Shaarawy saw an effort ruled out for offside, as Luciano Spalletti’s men saw luck desert them while they also lacked a clinical edge in front of goal.
Nevertheless, one of the positive aspects of the night was the influence of Francesco Totti who provided an assist for the goal and was a general threat after being introduced at the break.
The veteran playmaker will hope that it gives him the chance to have a more prominent role in the final weeks of the season, with Roma still looking to make third place safe.
After Monday night’s draw, they sit six points above Inter and six adrift of Napoli with six games remaining, and they will host the Partenopei on April 25 for what should be an entertaining and potentially decisive encounter.