Roma 2-1 Bologna: Mirko Vucinic Stars As Giallorossi Down Rossoblu

Roma ended their run of three Serie A defeats on the trot with a 2-1 win over Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico.

Goals from Mirko Vucinic and Simone Perrotta proved decisive after Bologna had taken the lead through Martins Adailton.

Roma came into this clash under real pressure following three successive defeats, as another loss could possibly see them drop into the relegation zone.

There were selection problems as Marco Cassetti, Daniele De Rossi and Rodrigo Taddei were all suspended, while Francesco Totti and Nicolas Burdisso were injured.

Bologna are one of the favourites for relegation but they returned to winning ways in midweek by beating rival strugglers Siena. The Rossoblu were without the injured Massimo Mutarelli and Davide Bombardini, and suspended Roberto Guana.

Roma had an early chance from the first corner of the game as Philippe Mexes headed straight at Emiliano Viviano. Down the other end, Francesco Valiani tested Alexander Doni.

Viviano beat away a Mirko Vucinic piledriver, while Jeremy Menez lashed over as the Giallorossi did most of the running in the first 20 minutes. Soon after, John Arne Riise's 20-yard free kick was pushed away by Viviano.

Against the run of play Bologna took the lead on the half-hour mark as Nicola Mingazzini robbed David Pizarro in midfield, fed Marco Di Vaio who squared the ball across the area for Martins Adailton's tap-in.

Bologna's lead lasted for less than a few minutes as their defence failed to clear the ball, and Vucinic was on hand to steer past Viviano. There was controversy, though, as Simone Perrotta appeared to handle the ball before the goal.

Roma looked for a second and were twice inches away as first Marco Motta's angled drive went centimetres past the post and then Juan headed over from under the bar from a corner.



Roma made one enforced change at the break as Marco Andreolli replaced injured defender Juan.

There was an immediate chance at the beginning of the second half as Vucinic seemed surprise as the ball reached him inside the area, and didn't connect well with his shot attempt.

On 51 minutes Roma were ahead as Menez embarked on a twisting solo run before forcing a low save from Viviano. The ball broke to Perrotta who lifted it into the net.

Roma continued to push and Vucinic almost made it three as his looping header was brilliantly tipped over by Viviano.

Vucinic had been clearly the best player on the pitch, and he fired just over after another fine move.

Claudio Ranieri made his final two changes as Cicinho and Julio Baptista replaced Motta and Menez respectively.

Stefano Guberti forced an easy save out of Viviano, while Bologna substitute Pablo Osvaldo fired over in injury time. The last act of the game saw Baptista shoot off-target.

This win eases the pressure on Roma coach Claudio Ranieri, while Bologna remain locked in the relegation zone.

Anthony Sormani, Goal.com