Roma 2-0 Chievo: Totti nets twice from the spot as Luis Enrique's men move into top six in Serie A

Roma overcame Chievo with a 2-0 victory courtesy of penalties either side of the break from Francesco Totti.

The veteran converted from the spot to give Luis Enrique's side a much-needed three points to move them into the top six in Serie A.

Roma started the game at breakneck pace, eager for an early goal, and Stefano Sorrentino was forced into good saves from Jose Angel, Erik Lamela and Miralem Pjanic as the trio looked to open the scoring within in the first five minutes.

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The home dominance continued. Sorrentino was called into action once more as Bojan ran clear before pivoting, and firing in a powerful shot which the 32-year-old blocked.

After a sluggish start, Chievo gradually came back into the match. Cyril Thereau sent in a tame volley which Stekelenburg did well to save, before Juan did brilliantly to inch in front of Alberto Paloschi as the 22-year-old looked to latch on to Thereau’s header.

In the end, however, Roma managed to get their elusive goal. Erik Lamela went on a dazzling run, and Nicolas Frey was only able to take the Argentine down. Totti stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick, and finally broke his goal drought to give Roma the lead.

Having gone ahead, Luis Enrique’s men looked to capitalise and put the game to bed before the interval, with Bojan forcing Sorrentino into another great save with a venomous strike from the edge of the area.

Chievo were not without chances of their own, though. Sergio Pellissier rose highest from a corner to put in a header which Stekelenburg tipped over with half time seconds away.

The second half saw less in the way of chances for the hosts, but they were unlucky to not be awarded another penalty.

Twice an incredulous Bojan went down under challenges from Bostjan Cesar, only to have his frantic appeals for a penalty turned down.

At the other end, meanwhile, Chievo had chances to equalise, with Davide Moscardelli dawdling on the ball after finding himself yards from goal in acres of space, allowing the Roma defence to scramble the ball away.

In the end, any chance of a comeback was finally killed off. Bojan showcased some quick feet in the box, bamboozling Cesar before the ball struck his adversary’s arm. The referee finally pointed to the spot, and Totti put the game to bed.

Gianluca Caprari could have made it three deep into stoppage time after a slick one-two with Bojan, but it was to matter little – Luis Enrique’s men started 2012 with a comfortable victory.