Chievo 0-0 Roma: Match report, reaction and key statistics

Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino made a handful of world-class saves to deny the Giallorossi a breakthrough, during a tense 90 minutes at the Stadio Bentegodi.

The hosts had chances of their own - with Roma pushing everything forward in search of a goal - but it was undoubtedly Eusebio Di Francesco's side who deserved to win, only to be denied by an inspired individual display.

The result means the Giallorossi failed to close the gap on league leaders Inter Milan, who drew 0-0 with Juventus less than 24 hours earlier.

Di Francesco's side are next in action on Saturday, as they host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico. Before that, they have the pick-me-up of the Champions League last-16 draw to watch on Monday.

Team selection

Summer signing Patrik Schick made his first start for Roma, replacing Edin Dzeko as the main striker for Eusebio Di Francesco's side, with Stephan El Shaarawy and Gerson in support.

With Daniele De Rossi suspended and Alessandro Florenzi on the bench at the Stadio Bentegodi, Radja Nainggolan captained the side.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

10' - Kolarov wins a free-kick on the left for Roma. The first chance is cleared - Radja then swings in a free-kick that Fazio heads straight at Sorrentino.

12' - Chance for Chievo. A Birsa free-kick falls perfectly for Inglese... who somehow misses the target from close range!

14' - Birsa hits a first-time half-volley narrowly wide, as Chievo enjoy a spell of pressure for the first time in the match.

22' - Fazio heads over from a Kolarov free-kick.

24' - INCREDIBLE DOUBLE SAVE! How did Roma not score?! Sorrentino does brilliantly to repel Schick's clever backheel... and then gets up quickly to block Gerson's follow-up!

28' - Kolarov worries the Chievo defence again, this time with a driven low ball across goal that no-one manages to get a touch on.

See more images in our dedicated match gallery.

SECOND HALF

49' - Determined start from the Giallorossi. Radja sees a powerful drive deflected over - and soon after El Shaarawy can't hit the target with an ambitious attempt of his own.

60' - SAVE SORRENTINO! This time he somehow denies Gonalons, after the Frenchman bursts into the box following a one-two with Schick!

64' - Kolarov tests Sorrentino from range - the veteran goalkeeper makes a good save. The resulting corner is met by Juan Jesus but the shot is easy for the keeper!

66' - An incisive attacking move from Roma takes the ball from one end of the pitch to the other... Kolarov fires a ball across for Dzeko but it is just inches beyond the striker!

68' - Escape for Roma - Inglese crosses for Cacciatore but the full-back crashes his shot high and wide.

78' - SO CLOSE! Nainggolan rifles a brilliant cross into the box but Dzeko cannot direct his shot on target from a few yards out!

82' - INCREDIBLE SAVE! Schick wriggles free and hits a shot that takes a wicked deflection... but somehow Sorrentino flicks it away with his feet as he dives the wrong way!

83' - Birsa wastes a glorious opening for Chievo inside the box. End-to-end stuff at the Bentegodi now!

87' - Dzeko meets a Schick cross from the left, but it is straight at Sorrentino.

Key match statistics

See more game statistics in our dedicated match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

“It was a difficult game and we are all very frustrated with the draw. We had a lot of chances, but we were already missing that final touch or were unable to score. It’s a shame, if we had won we would have only been three points behind Inter.“I felt good, and obviously happy to play 90 minutes after being out for a little while. But I still need time and more matches to feel my best."

- Patrik Schick

"You can never be perfect for 90 minutes, but given the dynamics of the game and the situations we created, we deserved a goal. We didn’t score and that’s our fault, full stop. We take a point, knowing that we need to be more clinical in front of goal."When Chievo drew with Napoli they gave absolutely nothing away to their opponents. Today, on the other hand, we created a great deal and I’m happy with that. I’m less happy with the fact that we didn’t convert those chances.”

- Eusebio Di Francesco

What's next?

The Giallorossi are next in action next Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico - as they host Cagliari in an evening kick-off in Serie A.

Before that there is the small matter of the Champions League last-16 draw (on Monday) - while after that comes the Coppa Italia tie with Torino (Wednesday 20th).

CHIEVO 0-0 ROMA

Chievo: Sorrentino; Cacciatore, Tomovic, Gamberini, Jaroszynski; Depaoli, Radovanovic, Bastien; Birsa; Meggiorini, Inglese

Roma: Alisson; Peres, Fazio, J. Jesus, Kolarov; Nainggolan, Gonalons, Strootman (Cengiz); Gerson (Dzeko), Schick, El Shaarawy (Perotti).